RESERVE — The Port of South Louisiana hosted United States Representative Charlie Melancon on a tour of facilities and infrastructure located within “America’s Largest Tonnage Port.” Mr. Melancon surveyed the port’s tri-parish district via helicopter and was accompanied by Port of South Louisiana Executive Director Joel T. Chaisson, Commission President P. Joey Murray, III, and Commission Vice-President Jay Roberts.

Upon completion of the airel tour, the congressman addressed state and local dignitaries and industry leaders during a reception held at the port’s Globalplex Guest House in Reserve.

Melancon, representing Louisiana’s 3rd Congressional District, recently introduced the Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief and Economic Recovery Act of 2005 in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The relief and recovery legislation named “Project Pelican,” addresses a wide range of immediate and long term economic needs in Louisiana.

“I’m proud to take the lead in the House of Representatives and carry this delegation package forward. Hurricane Katrina took a major toll on Louisiana and the relief in this legislation can’t wait,” said Melancon.

The proposed legislation covers all aspects of the discovery relief effort including: agriculture, economic re-development, trade and commerce, transportation, financial institutions, health care, housing, labor, military, veterans care, tax relief, education, coastal restoration, and environmental issues.

In his closing remarks Congressman Melancon added, “the economic relief and recovery package is only the first step in building a better Louisiana for all of its citizens. The challenges ahead will require the assistance and leadership from all of our leaders at the federal, state and local levels of government.”