By LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / April 19, 1999

LAPLACE – The Port of South Louisiana hosted the 16th annual Ports Association of Louisiana conference this week at the Holiday Inn.

PAL president Ted Falgout, during his annual report, pointed out trade activity produces 20 percent of America’s gross national product. The topfive ports include three Louisiana ports and the 26 deep and shallow-draft ports of Louisiana make up “the largest port complex in the world.”Falgout added that port activity contributes a $28 million annual economic impact, $95 million in tax revenue and 230,000 jobs (one of eight in Louisiana).

During the period of 1994-97, Falgout pointed out, tonnage increased 22 percent, economic impact increased 28 percent, earnings were up 27 percent and employment rose 29 percent.

In legislative issues, Falgout reported the Port Priority Program with the state Department of Transportation and Development is “truly a success story.”He added, “1998 was an active and challenging year with PAL” in the Legislature, and the push is on to increase ports’ percentage of funds from the Capital Outlay Program.

The first Louisiana Ports Forum, held recently in Washington D.C. bySenators Mary Landrieu and John Breaux, was “an excellent day of sharing ideas.”The conference also included panels on maritime federal agencies hosted by David Wagner, executive vice-president of the Port of New Orleans; port legislative issues hosted by Roger Richard, executive director of the Port of Greater Baton Rouge; and national and regional maritime trade associations hosted by Gary Soileau, executive director of the Greater Krotz Springs Port Commission.

PAL also recently funded a new executive director position, filled by Sherri McConnell.

Other highlights included a presentation by Jerry Enzler, director of the National Rivers Hall of Fame, and a talk by H.M. “Jerry” Doty on “ThePeople of Louisiana.”

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