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Port staff report: ferry repairs, $26.5M new ferry plan and an $18.6M PALH landing replacement are underway
Summary
Port executive staff told the council that the MV Belle Chasse II is shore-side with repairs, a $26.5 million diesel-electric new ferry is expected to go to bid in June 2026, and an $18.6 million PALH ferry landing replacement project is progressing toward an estimated December 2028 construction completion.
Port executive staff provided a status report to the Plaquemines Parish Council on April 9, 2026, detailing ferry operations and multiple infrastructure projects.
Staff reported that the MV Belle Chasse II is shore-side with work expected to finish in late April to early May 2026, and that the MV Port Authority II is at LACAT awaiting replacement engine rams that were broken by the shipyard. The Port is planning a new diesel-electric ferry with an estimated cost of $26.5 million and anticipated to be advertised for bid in June 2026.
The PALH (Pointe-à-la-Hache) Landing replacement is receiving an $18.6 million grant and project work is progressing; staff reported an estimated construction completion of December 2028. Additional engineering repairs at Belle Chasse/Scarsdale landings are under way, with a MiNO Marine proposal for barges noted for upcoming votes. A change order to replace two transformers at the PALH landing (total $18,600) was included in related ordinance text.
Staff also reported on critical infrastructure projects including the LGP rail extension, a Peters Road rail bypass and vehicle bridge project (box culverts anticipated to go out for bid in June 2026; public meetings planned May–June 2026), and a Water Booster Station and feedlines project anticipated to be complete by the end of June 2026. The minutes record that the Port is coordinating with PPG Engineers and Inframark and anticipates a DOTD walkthrough within the next week.
The minutes note Commissioner Mitch Jurisich left the meeting at 6:10 p.m. and that a full video of the meeting is available on the Plaquemines Parish website and YouTube for more detail and on-the-record remarks.
The status report provides a timeline for procurement and construction milestones; the council took subsequent actions on related ordinances and task orders during the same meeting.
