Port reports ferry fleet status, FTA-funded landing replacements and Pointe Le Hesse timetable
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Summary
Staff reported both ferries are running, one vessel remains in dry dock, and the port has secured FTA grants to replace three landing barges; the Pointe Le Hesse replacement is in preliminary engineering with an estimated 2028 construction start and several large cost estimates were presented.
Port staff gave a multi-part status update on ferry operations and port infrastructure, detailing vessel availability, funding and near-term procurement actions.
Staff said both ferries are operating smoothly but noted Belle Chasse 2 remains in dry dock undergoing an extended maintenance period; the port is pursuing schedule details from the contractor and indicated the possibility of using liquidated-damages clauses if timelines are not met. Authority 1 was described as fully complete but temporarily held at the Harvey locks because low river levels prevent transit; Authority 3 had a seawater pump failure and the replacement pump has arrived from Texas.
On procurement, staff identified the diesel-electric ferry as 100% in final design and said the specifications will go out for bid with bids anticipated mid-May. For landings, the port said FTA grant funding covers replacement of three ferry-landing barges (Belle Chasse, Scarsdale and the port security dock) and that engineering for land-based repairs is underway; because estimated construction costs exceed $1,000,000 the work will go to public bid and require appropriate permits.
The Pointe Le Hesse ferry-landing replacement project is in preliminary engineering and survey work; staff said geotechnical and slope-stability surveys have been completed with preliminary construction estimated for 2028. Staff presented several cost figures during the briefing — including an opinion of probable cost cited around $103,000,000 and an $18,600,000 grant amount referenced for the project — and noted that final engineering and grant packaging remain in development.
Commissioners asked technical questions about firefighting pump capacity and vessel firefighting readiness. A staff member estimated the Authority 3 fire pump at roughly 12,000 gallons per minute but cautioned that the number would be confirmed: “Don't quote me on it, but I will get the exact number,” the staff member said. Staff pledged to provide precise specifications to commissioners.
The board discussed continuity-of-service options for aging landing barges, including mud‑jetting and temporary hull patching to maintain service until new barges are built, and approved engineering steps and grant acceptance where required.
