Port Of New Orleans Garners $7.1 Million Sustainability Grant From FHA
The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) is set to receive a $7.1 million grant from the Federal Highway Administration’s Reducing Truck Emissions at Port Facilities (RTEPF) Grant program, which is funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
Besides supporting workforce development and educational opportunities, the port will use the grant to update infrastructure and reduce emissions by purchasing seven electric terminal tractors and installing associated charging stations. The new infrastructure will benefit both of Port NOLA’s terminal operators, Ports America Louisiana and New Orleans Terminal LLC.
“We would like to thank the Biden administration and our federal delegation for helping the Port of New Orleans honor its commitment to sustainability, environmental justice, equity and reducing our environmental footprint,” Port NOLA President and CEO Brandy Christian said. “We remain focused on prioritizing the utilization of green technologies and infrastructure, sustainable transportation and helping underserved communities through workforce development initiatives. This funding helps us continue this transformative journey that is aligned with a broader global movement to slow climate change.”
The grant award garnered support from Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Rep. Troy Carter (D-La.).
“Continually upgrading our ports is essential to attract new businesses and keep and create jobs,” Cassidy said. “This money improves infrastructure and workforce development. This is how to make the Port of New Orleans even more competitive.”
“This funding for the Port of New Orleans is a significant investment that will drive substantial reductions in truck emissions, benefiting the environment and public health,” Carter said. “It showcases a bold approach to modernizing port facilities, aligning with the goals of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to promote sustainability and innovation in transportation infrastructure. By upgrading electrical infrastructure and incorporating all-electric trucks, the Port of New Orleans sets an example for ports nationwide while also fostering workforce development through strategic partnerships with educational institutions.”
Port NOLA has dedicated $100,000 to Nunez Community College in St. Bernard Parish to support the port’s environmental justice and sustainability efforts, the port said in announcing the grant. The port’s planned Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) will be located in the St. Bernard community of Violet.
“We look forward to working with Port NOLA and our other partners to establish pathways related to maritime and logistics careers, deliver technical skills instruction to support new port-related technologies and support the fulfillment of apprenticeship opportunities,” said Tina Tinney, chancellor of Nunez Community College.
