Federal Reversal Clears Path for Louisiana Port Development
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Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and Port of South Louisiana officials on Feb. 18 held a press conference to allow development along the Mississippi River in an area the Biden administration wanted to be a national historic site.
At issue was an 11-mile area of the Great River Road along the west bank of the Mississippi River that the National Park Service was moving to declare a National Historic Landmark due to its links to African American history and being part of a national scenic byway.
The state had previously OK’d the construction of a grain elevator in the area, but . On Feb. 13, the Interior Department reversed the agency’s decision under the Biden administration that would have placed 22,747 acres along the Mississippi River within federal historic preservation protection.
Under the Trump administration, the National Park Service has now withdrawn an Oct. 16, 2024, “Determination of Eligibility” that would have “required onerous reviews and oversight by several federal agencies in effect freezing all development and future progress of the communities” in the designated area, according to the Port of South Louisiana.
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“If you really want to lift people out of poverty, you get them work and increase job opportunity,” Landry said.
Some opponents of the National Historic Landmark designation contended that the red tape would have prevented port projects that could provide economic benefits in historically disadvantaged areas. The port is a top grain exporter.
“Numerous U.S. and international companies are eager to develop and expand along the Mississippi River,” said Paul Matthews, Port of South Louisiana CEO. “These industries hold immense potential for job creation and revenue generation, ultimately improving the quality of life in our communities and breaking the chains of generational poverty. We envision an environment that attracts new businesses, restaurants and health care centers, creating lasting benefits for local families.”
The Port of South Louisiana, among the largest tonnage ports, is located on the lower Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The 2025 annual report on U.S. port freight statistics performance by the U.S. Department of Transportation lists the Port of South Louisiana as No. 1 for handling in 2022 dry bulk tonnage weighing 153 million tons.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, sworn in Feb. 3, noted when he started in his new role that , streamline financial management and remove undue federal bureaucracy.
Burgum then stated: “We are committed to working collaboratively to unlock America’s full potential in energy dominance and economic development to make life more affordable for every American family while showing the world the power of America’s natural resources and innovation. Together, we will ensure that our policies reflect the needs of our communities, respect tribal sovereignty, and drive innovation that will keep the U.S. at the forefront of energy and environmental leadership.”
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