La. SmartPort gets $1.6 million

Louisiana’s SmartPort initiative is the recipient of a $1.6 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the Governor's Office said Wednesday.
That federal award will be matched by $1.4 million from the state and port partners for the $3 million project that will enhance Louisiana’s Mississippi River ports with next-generation maritime technology.
“With the SmartPort initiative, Louisiana is taking a major leading role in bringing technological efficiencies to maritime commerce,” said Gov. John Bel Edwards.
First announced in July 2020, the SmartPort Initiative is designed to streamline operations and improve safety through real-time data shared by port administrators, tenants, shippers, and warehouse, cargo and ground transportation providers.
The program comprehensively evaluates navigation, coastal issues and flood risks along the Mississippi River. Additionally, the program will ultimately support efforts for the proposed river diversion project.
The Port of New Orleans, the Port of South Louisiana and the Port of Greater Baton Rouge are lead partners with LED in supporting the project, along with other ports and warehouses along the Lower Mississippi River.
“President Biden is committed to unleashing the full power of the federal government to ensure our nation not only recovers from this pandemic but builds back better,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo.
The SmartPort program includes a decision support tool to forecast waves and shoaling at port facilities along the Mississippi River, which will aid port operations and navigation. The Real-Time Shoaling Forecast Tool will be part of a suite of weather, river and road traffic analytics to improve efficiency at ports and supporting the ports from the threats of natural disasters and economic uncertainties.
SmartPort builds off of the work being done for the Shoaling Forecast Tool, instituted by the Port of New Orleans.
ase of doing business on and attracting business to the Mississippi River,” said Paul Aucoin, executive director of the Port of South Louisiana.