Greater Leaf Fouch Port Commission approves marine fuel ban, project change orders and nearly $10 million in October expenditures

The Greater Leaf Fouch Port Commission on Nov. 13 adopted a revised marine ordinance that makes it unlawful to transfer gasoline, diesel, hydraulic fluid or other hazardous substances to or from portable containers in the marina and approved a series of project change orders, contract awards and budget expenditures.

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by PJ Lions and a prayer led by Mike Collie. The commission confirmed a quorum and approved the Oct. 15, 2025 minutes before hearing a detailed executive director's report on port projects.

John Pleasants, with GIS Engineering, said the northern expansion contractor has installed sheet piles and concrete piles and completed tie-ins, tie rods and whalers, reporting that "they're doing all the tieins, tie rods" and that the contractor expects to finish site work in a matter of weeks. Mark Piola of Polin Associates reported that machinery for the airport connector road and bridge project has been delivered and mobilized.

The commission approved several schedule-related change orders. It approved a 219-day extension for the new executive terminal project, citing unusually long permitting delays, and an 84-day extension for the airport hangar replacement related to a larger-than-expected aircraft door and weather days. The commission also approved a $0 change order reclassifying quantities on the breakwater repairs project for FEMA reporting and a change order adding $85,113.30 to the Coastal Wetlands Park work to provide an additional stair required by the fire marshal.

On project procurement, the commission approved the lowest responsive bid of $1,865,472 to Rigid Constructors LLC for the Flotation Canal Shoreline Protection Project and accepted recommended high bids for 13 surplus items offered for sale.

In land and lease actions, the commission approved a lease of a 266.8-acre parcel at Salafoo Industrial Park to Chase Ozan for bow- and shotgun-only hunting; approved OEG's request to reduce its footprint at GLF 337; and approved assignment of the GLF 315 lease from MI to Tetra.

The commission committed $150,000 in its 2026 budget to assist Lefoo Parish government with a planned $450,000 repair of the LaRose public boat launch, conditional on the parish providing a signed contract before the port submits funds.

The finance committee presented October invoices and expenditures over $25,000 totaling $9,943,379.49. That list included a $5 million payment to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development for the LA1 elevated highway Phase 2, the final payment of a five-year commitment that totaled $25 million in port contributions to the elevated highway project. The commission approved the expenditures and accepted the October unaudited financial statements; committee discussion recorded one opposed vote and one abstention on certain items.

During the executive director's report the director also announced an open house by Argent LNG on Dec. 2 and acknowledged receiving a 2025 Louisiana Energy Awards executive-of-the-year honor, saying the award reflected "the staff of the port commission" and the community as a whole.

The meeting closed after scheduling full budget committee meetings for Nov. 25 and offering remarks recognizing Veterans Day. The commission adjourned following a motion that carried on a voice vote.

Votes at a glance

Ordinance No. 70 (marine regulations): approved (voice vote) Lease: site one, Salafoo Industrial Park to Chase Ozan (hunting): approved (voice vote) Commitment: $150,000 to LaRose public boat launch (conditional on parish contract): approved (voice vote) Surplus sale bids (13 items): approved (voice vote) OEG lease footprint reduction (GLF 337): approved (voice vote) Assignment: MI lease to Tetra (GLF 315): approved (voice vote) Lock operation agreement with South levy district ($200,000/year, five-year term): approved (voice vote) Change orders awarded/approved: Dynamic Group (7 weather days) approved; BET Construction (219 days) approved; Freetown Builders (84 days) approved; Granau Shipyard (+$85,113.30) approved (one abstention noted) Flotation Canal Shoreline Protection Project: awarded to Rigid Constructors LLC for $1,865,472 (approved) October expenditures (including $5,000,000 to LA DOTD for LA1 Phase 2): approved (voice vote)

Next steps

Many approved change orders and contract awards will require administrative follow-up by port staff, including executing contract amendments and submitting the LaRose funding after the parish submits a signed contract. The commission scheduled budget rollout committee meetings for Nov. 25.