By ROBIN SHANNON

Staff Reporter

RESERVE — Officials with the Port of South Louisiana recently had the opportunity to open the port’s doors to a group of state legislators who make key decisions on funding for the state’s port system.

Members of the Louisiana House and Senate Transportation Committees, a group of about 40 state lawmakers, were given an up-close look at the facilities falling under the Port of South Louisiana umbrella. The trip was part of a three-day tour of ports along the gulf coast of the state.

“The trip gives our state’s decision makers an up close and personal experience with our industry,” said Joseph Accardo Jr., executive director of The Ports Association of Louisiana.

“They look at capital outlay projects and get a chance to see where the money for the port industry is going.”

In a short address to the group, Joel Chaisson, Port of South Louisiana director, stressed the importance of the port system to the economic and industrial development of the state.

“Let’s get more infrastructure,” Chaisson said. “Let’s get more people in here now that want to be here.”

Following the tour, the group returned to the port’s Godchaux Guesthouse, where they were treated to a seven-minute film that laid out what the port does and where it services.

The state delegates were also presented with a wish list of port projects for future consideration. Some of the projects listed on the wish list include a $21.2 million finger pier, which would provide new marine loading capability and additional jobs, a $34 million liquid bulk dock and $24 million worth of planning and construction at the Globalplex dock, enabling the port to compete with facilities in Alabama, Mississippi and Texas.

Also included on the list is a $3.1 million runway expansion at St. John Airport. The airport was acquired by the port in a deal at the end of 2008, and the improvements would help attract industrial prospects and help to service existing industry on the west bank of the Mississippi River.