[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6520559,"mediaKeyId","5322362-60994ae29ba9ba6b1de42b21fee76f64","parentId",5322362,"title","Port of South Louisiana reports record revenue, highlights Hyundai and renewable projects","audioSeconds",651,"startMs",1171000,"endMs",1822000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5322362-60994ae29ba9ba6b1de42b21fee76f64&start=1171&end=1822","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5322362-60994ae29ba9ba6b1de42b21fee76f64/thumbnail_1171000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6520559/St-Charles-Parish/Louisiana/Port-of-South-Louisiana-reports-record-revenue-highlights-Hyundai-and-renewable-projects","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6520559-64060a1b391dbab5adc021232f3a362f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147155&Signature=ga9NkawgJ7WQza0PJ~E9OYN2njXpRGJXtop7if9JUj94ihe4P~T9wJbOmn4IJ9~er3al9r2k3tgKv4d9vUUIbDFIN-Mw~sFnzWPPKZejNiN0FI6b6cMABBtjc-m2ef1VH4qX1iDq-o1mUON25IH8lmQ6GrdQYZG-ZAPq9zzFfmf2VS~h5QN1S2JTzXjLXfV9qQ8nOOMng22ebKTW9YoV~CJgM-v5MLXGNrpEjz5sZ1S~6ZCRgl8YnO2l~VR5jUAtLsZbmN7Czg6PTbmBrJxvhIo2E5OJ16r3udeneIyfHEQidlNJTJbOn8gMkProng~gWDOx8~mOhhulfPkBelRP6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","St. Charles Parish","date","2025-07-07T22:58:07Z","article","Paul Matthews, representing the Port of South Louisiana, briefed the St. Charles Parish Council on July 7 on port activity, freight and investment trends and regional projects expected to affect the parish.

Matthews said the port has produced three straight years of record-high revenues and that its foreign-trade zone is now the nation’s leading zone by merchandise value. He said about 60%–70% of the nation’s exported grain volume originates from the Lower Mississippi River heartland and that almost half of the port’s tonnage within its jurisdiction moves through Saint Charles Parish.

Matthews highlighted a proposed $6 billion Hyundai manufacturing operation in Ascension Parish, which he said could create about 5,400 jobs across the region and catalyze a West Bank industrial corridor from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. He said the Port of South Louisiana and the Port of Baton Rouge will sign a memorandum of understanding by the end of the month to coordinate infrastructure and conveyance financing in support of such projects.

On energy and decarbonization, Matthews described ongoing work with private operators and public partners. The port has executed leases with Woodland Biofuels and an operation converting old rubber into biofuels; it is also working with GNO Inc. on a project to build an e‑methanol bunkering barge intended to provide low‑ or zero‑carbon fuel for marine operators. Matthews said that bunkering project is expected to go out to bid by the end of the month with an aim to be operational next year.

Parish President Jewell said the parish would explore partnership opportunities on West Bank sites and discussed a specific area (the Batcher area) the parish would like to see activated for non-chemical manufacturing that could diversify local industry.

Why this matters: Port expansion and major private investment projects can influence local jobs, land use and transportation infrastructure across the river corridor; the port’s trade and energy projects have direct implications for St. Charles Parish economic development planning.

Matthews invited further coordination with parish officials on land acquisition and infrastructure planning to capture supply-chain investment opportunities tied to large private projects and federal/state grant programs.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","St. Charles Parish Council Meeting for July 7, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Paul Matthews told the council that the Port of South Louisiana reached record revenue levels, is now the top U.S. foreign-trade zone by merchandise value, and is pursuing projects including support for a Hyundai manufacturing corridor and renewable energy bunkering and biofuels work.","taxTitle","St. Charles Parish, Louisiana","taxId",62169,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6520564,"St. Charles Parish Housing Authority outlines RAD Section 18 plan, seeks local financing support",779,1837000,2616000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5322362-60994ae29ba9ba6b1de42b21fee76f64&start=1837&end=2616","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5322362-60994ae29ba9ba6b1de42b21fee76f64/thumbnail_1837000.jpg","/articles/6520564/St-Charles-Parish/Louisiana/St-Charles-Parish-Housing-Authority-outlines-RAD-Section-18-plan-seeks-local-financing-support","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6520564-0cbbf26cd3c98c5ca0a81febf9f6b416/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157745&Signature=XZ3h7gqY8auC2K3SI61nB33tBnjIcxyhm1MEFUSOQk-2ykSmgGIFBbnp7W0BWlikzwph1zP1h7PP2-05ytSkJViiV~WsFtLhLbX~OeFBrcnO4v~7eO9iuz56v-FuPDt7pOn8oKZn5pcsw3d6EYXinZQM2IjpovSBNY~8K6XllFregKC3SrJFGUGr3uka1~sVfBSEzpngIShH5F14R6SwZcWAWxLKGS-LLxIMhoROGEOO5NfyoacDHMJ5tKkiEv4ZicxZMOzhtysmnILAQ12VTZigbmy2xt~NUK~xKKqHMLv-DPEAcCEmWmVvztanu8od6vIZephBvVKDNbpPYhujdA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jedidiah Jackson, executive director of the St. Charles Parish Housing Authority, told the council on July 7 that the agency has improved operational and financial metrics and is moving forward with a RAD Section 18 blended conversion to redevelop several public housing sites.

Jackson said the authority supports 47 families in a parish-owned “boutique” property and 263 housing choice voucher holders in the parish. For the 2024 fiscal year the authority projected a public housing operating budget of $815,800 and $245,800 for housing choice voucher administration; the agency received about $3,000,000 in housing assistance payments in the last calendar year and $357,998 for boutique capital costs.

Jackson said the agency’s property maintenance score under HUD’s Public Housing Assessment System rose from 18 (in 2023) to 77 after instituting quarterly inspections and other steps. He said the authority projects achieving 85% occupancy by September and expects to exit HUD’s recovery plan if the trend holds.

On redevelopment, Jackson said the authority will pursue a RAD Section 18 blended conversion. He said the plan would convert roughly 90% of units to project-based vouchers and use Low-Income Housing Tax Credit–type subsidy for the remaining 10%. The authority will work with developer Standard Enterprises to prepare and upload required documentation to HUD’s RAD Resource Desk. Jackson said staff aim to submit the application in December, seek HUD approval in February, begin construction on August 1 and complete relocation by Sept. 1, 2027.

Jackson told the council the authority’s current public-housing capital funds and reserves can support parts of the financing, but local stakeholders will be needed to fill an anticipated financing gap. He estimated a local financing requirement in the range of $3.0–$3.2 million and said the authority will coordinate with the parish president’s office on requests for assistance.

Council members praised operational improvements. Councilwoman Wilson asked whether housekeeping seminars for residents would be mandatory; Jackson said they would be mandatory and scheduled to accommodate residents’ schedules. Parish President Jewell and Council President DuRoisier thanked Jackson for the improvements and the authority’s work on conversion planning.

Why this matters: A RAD Section 18 blended conversion is a federal program pathway to redevelop aging public housing using project-based vouchers and other subsidies. If implemented, the plan could change the financing mix and physical condition of the authority’s properties and will require coordination with HUD, a developer, and local financing partners.

Proposed next steps identified by Jackson include submitting the RAD application, coordinating relocation and tenant protections, finalizing financing commitments, hiring a finance director, and moving to a property management system with integrated financial modules.","Housing Authority director described improvements in HUD performance metrics, a planned RAD Section 18 blended conversion to redevelop public housing, and a projected local financing gap of about $3.0–$3.2 million.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6520569,"St. Charles Parish council approves DEQ loan, local traffic changes and several land and board actions",174,767000,941000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5322362-60994ae29ba9ba6b1de42b21fee76f64&start=767&end=941","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5322362-60994ae29ba9ba6b1de42b21fee76f64/thumbnail_767000.jpg","/articles/6520569/St-Charles-Parish/Louisiana/St-Charles-Parish-council-approves-DEQ-loan-local-traffic-changes-and-several-land-and-board-actions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6520569-ebe0ffe12e0b294fdc522462afcc28de/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157745&Signature=Uc1yPZ0HofYKA8anDPkIhh5fybOlbBFEj2EVjKqSDwvbZPeeup0iBHIDGBWVFCTqBRO0Fsu9YuCZoTszPLmaIiFHnAKhnlejacIGfjSMcnIUucyovAcAcE9XDmrLNC6VjXygNgUZPbZ80fiyrKBVqhg~O8AYDJkqsbIyDXj-H6tE7~9zTM0kywNuGvT-RT7ehn7s~gabGymro1GK7kFls93V0U8V45lJLPAEpqFsrwPtGvJw0DzpSHnrTqg3XPPSakMVD0Rqp2AC6hVt3p59mlScqePprgWTyXK4E7stLSZEVObZMTbDGM4Me8~~MF8cl1NpqarwF20SeL55-tGmBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The St. Charles Parish Council on July 7 voted on a package of ordinances and resolutions including final approval of a Department of Environmental Quality loan for parish wastewater work, changes to local speed and parking rules, several property transactions, and appointments to local authorities and boards.

The council unanimously passed Ordinance File No. 2025-0169 authorizing the parish to accept a DEQ loan of up to $10,000,000 for wastewater improvements tied to a voter-approved tax. Bond counsel Jason Akers of Foley & Newdel told the council the loan will carry a low fixed interest rate (0.95%), the loan cost is expected to be about $600,000, and current millage revenue provides coverage for the new debt service.

The council also passed two related measures: Resolution File No. 2025-0180, continuing the parish president’s appointment to the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority board for a two-year term; and Resolution File No. 2025-0181, approving the terms of a loan and pledge agreement in connection with a limited tax bond to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. Akers said the DEQ loan program has public-safety restrictions required by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency–authorized federal law and that the parish’s consolidated waterworks and wastewater district must sign the loan agreement.

In other actions, the council:

- Adopted Ordinance File No. 2025-0170 to revise speed limits in Highland Estates subdivision, creating a 15 mph zone on Mistletoe Drive and lowering other subdivision speeds to 20 mph; the change was introduced by Councilman David Fisher and approved unanimously.

- Approved Ordinance File No. 2025-0171 to acquire property at 706 Paul Frederick Street for the Kindler and Paul Frederick roadway and drainage improvement project; the appraised price cited by staff was $19,557.66 and the purchase/expropriation passed unanimously.

- Adopted Ordinance File No. 2025-0172 to install “no overnight parking” signs along the median of South Fashion Boulevard (Via Canal to Union Drive). The motion passed with Councilman Mike Comerdale recorded as the lone “nay.” Public commenters both opposed and supported the change; homeowner Louis Martinez urged signs to reduce safety issues caused by cars left overnight on the median, while resident Matthew Allshaus said signs would “take away the character of the boulevard.”

- Approved Resolution File No. 2025-0174 granting a waiver for subdivision geometric standards to consolidate eight lots into two, following planning commission approval.

- Confirmed an appointment to the civil service board (Resolution File No. 2025-0164): Patrick O’Malley was nominated by Councilwoman de Bruyere and seconded by Councilman Comerdale, and the motion to close nominations and appoint O’Malley passed unanimously.

The council also approved the minutes from its June 16 regular meeting (motion by Councilman Fisher, second by Councilwoman Wilson) and adjourned by unanimous vote.

Votes at a glance

- File 2025-0169 (Ordinance, DEQ loan up to $10,000,000): Passed unanimously.
- File 2025-0180 (Resolution, appointment to LCDA board): Passed unanimously.
- File 2025-0181 (Resolution, loan and pledge agreement for limited tax bond): Passed unanimously.
- File 2025-0170 (Ordinance, Highland Estates speed limits): Passed unanimously.
- File 2025-0171 (Ordinance, purchase/expropriation of 706 Paul Frederick St., appraised $19,557.66): Passed unanimously.
- File 2025-0172 (Ordinance, no overnight parking on South Fashion Blvd. median): Passed; Councilman Mike Comerdale voted no.
- File 2025-0174 (Resolution, subdivision waiver consolidating 8 lots into 2): Passed unanimously.
- File 2025-0164 (Resolution, civil service board appointment of Patrick O’Malley, term 08/01/2025–08/01/2028): Passed unanimously.

Why this matters: The DEQ loan and related actions set terms for new borrowing to pay wastewater improvements that are tied to a voter-approved tax; the traffic and parking ordinances change local rules in residential areas; the property acquisition enables a roadway and drainage improvement project; and appointments continue governance of local authorities.

No votes in this package failed outright; one ordinance (0172) drew a single dissenting vote during the council roll call.","At its July 7 meeting, the St. Charles Parish Council adopted a Department of Environmental Quality loan ordinance and a set of related resolutions, approved traffic and property measures and confirmed appointments, mostly by unanimous vote.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Port of South Louisiana reports record revenue, highlights Hyundai and renewable projects

St. Charles Parish Housing Authority outlines RAD Section 18 plan, seeks local financing support

St. Charles Parish council approves DEQ loan, local traffic changes and several land and board actions