Port of New Orleans President and CEO Gary LaGrange made his 22nd Annual State of the Port Address, which included plans for additional cruising capacity. LaGrange began his address by taking a look back at what the port was more than 20 years ago and where it will be beyond the next decade.
LaGrange cited the city’s geographical advantage and natural resources as a prime force in moving Louisiana forward. “We’ve realized firsthand in the last three years why our founding fathers broke ground here some 90 miles from the Gulf of Mexico,” he said. “While Hurricane Katrina dealt the city a massive blow, the port began working cargo just 12 days later.
And just this month the port was able to restart operations only 48 hours after Hurricane Gustav stormed ashore.” In the coming years, LaGrange said he foresees additional home-ported vessels to spur riverfront development and the tourism industry. But LaGrange cited the need for cooperation and commitment from elected officials and private industry to see the plan to fruition. “To successfully reach these goals, we must cooperatively work to build upon our economic foundation,” he said.
For more information, visit www.portno.com.
