The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) and Tangipahoa Parish Economic Development have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to grow trade, as well as support existing and new business relationships for the state of Louisiana.
In a statement, NOLA said the parties will leverage technical expertise and other resources to drive mutual economic benefits, particularly through value-added manufacturing, product assembly, distribution and logistics centres.
Port NOLA and economic development organizations throughout the region have been strategically working on the addition of distribution centres to promote additional development and business for the Port.
The parties will work together to identify, attract, and retain those businesses which mutually benefit both parties and foster the overall goal of regional prosperity.
Brandy D. Christian, President and CEO of the Port of New Orleans and CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad, said, “This MOU with Tangipahoa Parish shows the vested interest in our state to work together so logistics and distributions centers remain a top priority for economic growth.
“We are pleased to partner with Tangipahoa Parish to showcase our region’s advantageous commercial location and unmatched supply chain connectivity by river, rail and road.”
Tangipahoa Economic Development Director, Ginger Cangelosi, also commented, “Because of our logistically advantageous location, Tangipahoa Parish is a natural fit for distribution and warehousing companies, as well as advanced manufacturing facilities.”
Tangipahoa Parish Economic Development and Port NOLA also plan to partner with workforce development programs and employment training opportunities within the area that focus on manufacturing, distribution and logistics jobs.
Distribution centers represent one of the most significant areas of opportunity for the region and state due to the strength of the area’s multimodal connectivity.
In addition to Port NOLA’s deepwater berths and seamless connection to six Class 1 railroads via the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad, transportation options include easy access to a robust interstate highway system to any market and barge access to the industrial Midwest and major population centers like Chicago, Memphis and St. Louis.
