A Message from the Executive Director

Summer 2025

In the ever-changing economic climate, the St. Bernard Port remains strong. 2024 was a year that marked change through innovation; a year that continued the tradition of being the economic engine of St. Bernard Parish. From the completion of the Chalmette Slip to community impact, to tonnage numbers, the St. Bernard Port will not slow its efforts to increase its impact through innovation.

Originally constructed in 1907, the 118-year-old Chalmette Slip is the only slip of its kind on the lower Mississippi River. Its pioneering design has kept the St. Bernard Port among the leading ports in Louisiana. The slip has undergone numerous developments over the years, but this development was unique in that it involved the full rehabilitation of sections A and F, making the slip fully operational for the first time in 40 years.

This achievement represents the culmination of more than two decades of planning, beginning with the first rehabilitation efforts in 1997. The project was made possible through the combined efforts of the St. Bernard Port, Volkert, Inc., Associated Terminals, and Boh. Bros Construction. These partners worked tirelessly to bring the vision of a revitalized slip to life, enhancing the region’s cargo-handling capabilities and supporting future growth.

The late Dr. Robert J. Scafidel, former Executive Director of the St. Bernard Port, was the leading force in securing funding for this project. Thanks to his tenacity and dedication, this project could be completed.

Support from government leaders at both the state and federal levels was also instrumental. Majority Leader Steve Scalise, in his role as Majority Whip, helped secure critical federal funding of $13 million alongside continued advocacy from Senators Bill Cassidy and John N. Kennedy. The St. Bernard Port is also appreciative of our current delegation Rep. Mike Bayham Jr., Senator Joseph Bouie, Jr., and Senator Robert Owen, for their continued support and advocacy. The State of Louisiana invested an additional $15 million in Port Priority Program funding, demonstrating a strong commitment to maritime infrastructure and job creation. The project was a perfect example of the power of long-term vision and strong public-private partnerships.

Community focus will always be a priority, with participation and sponsorships in various community events such as Family Violence Program of St. Bernard Give-a-Hoot Trivia Night, St. Bernard Community Center Blues, Brews, and BBQ, and the St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce Women’s Professional Network Mentorship program. We continue to partner with Associated Terminals for youth-engagement programs and organizations such as OpenWaters Internship, Chalmette High School, and We Work the Waterways.

Set to be completed in fall 2025, an economic impact analysis report conducted by University of New Orleans Transportation Institute is in development. This study will include the St. Bernard Port’s effects and influence on St. Bernard Parish. We look forward to sharing this information and reflecting on improvements for the future.

We will continue to build the legacy of the St. Bernard Port through various projects, featuring a 260,000-square-foot warehouse space for the storage of sugar for American Sugar Refinery, and the North-South connector road connecting St. Bernard Highway to Judge Perez. With this much accomplished, we are proactively building a better future and ready for the journey ahead.

Drew M. Heaphy 
Executive Director