Port News and Links
Latest Port News
Grand Isle Port Commission awards contract for historical repair Project
Grand Isle, La. – The largest repair project in the history of the Grand Isle Port Commission (GIPC) recently kicked off with the award of a $4.3 million contract to Sea Level Construction for the Pier & Bulkhead project.
The project will consist of repairing the pier and bulkhead along Bayou Rigaud on both the east and west end of the GIPC commercial dock area. The GIPC commercial dock is located on the bay side of Grand Isle.
Initiated in 2017 as a FEMA-funded project subsequent to damages incurred from Hurricane Isaac, the project has been delayed due to increased repair costs and securing the required funding necessary to complete the project. The total funding was recently acquired from State Capital Outlay, Jefferson Parish and FEMA. The project started on October 23, 2023, and is scheduled to be completed by May 20, 2024.
“It’s great to see this project come to fruition. It’s key to the commercial fishing industry, the Grand Isle Port Commission and the Town of Grand Isle. That’s why we worked hard to make this project possible by acquiring all of the necessary funding from various agencies,” said Port Executive Director Weldon Danos. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held in the near future.
Located on Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island, GIPC was created in 1996 and regulates commerce and traffic at Grand Isle’s Port. The island is a hub for the petroleum industry, commercial fisheries and tourism, and the Port serves to promote safety and commerce of Grand Isle and the surrounding waters.
In Memory of Mr. “Bob” Sevin
Gone Fishing! 11/13/1937- 9/10/2023
In memory of Mr. “Bob” Sevin, a cherished leader, passionate angler, and devoted family man. As former president of the Grand Isle Port Commission and a dedicated participant in numerous fishing rodeos, his presence in our community will be sorely missed. However, his spirit and love for fishing will continue to inspire and be admired by all who knew him.
Marine Safety Information Bulletin- Navigation Alert: Grand Isle/ Bayou Rigaud Dredging Operations
May 25, 2023
1. Continuing through approximately June 10, 2023, the U.S. Government Contract Cutterhead Dredge CREW COMPASS will be working in Bayou Rigaud from approximately Mile 0.3 to approximately Mile 4.0, non-continuous. Dredged material will be placed adjacent to the channel on Fifi Island. The dredge will work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will be monitoring VHF Marine Channels 13, 16 and 67. Mariners are urged to transit at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake and proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made.
2. The point of contact with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New Orleans District is Raymond Newman at (504) 862-2050.
3. For further information on this bulletin or to report any concerns regarding the status of waterways contact one of the phone numbers below:Marine Safety Unit Houma Waterways Management: (985) 665-2449Marine Safety Unit Houma Officer of the Day: (985) 665-2437Vessel Traffic Service Berwick Bay: (985) 380-5370Marine Safety Unit Morgan City Waterways Management: (985) 380-5375Marine Safety Unit Morgan City Officer of the Day: (985) 397-3300
4.To access all MSIBs in the COTP Houma Zone visit: https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/Houma
In Memory of Ambrose Besson
Tribute to a Legend! 4/1/1934 – 12/1/2022
Commissioner, Husband, Family, and Friend these are just some of the many titles held by Ambrose here in Grand Isle. Many people were affected by your absence especially those of us at the Grand Isle Port Commission both past and present. Your service, dedication, knowledge, and wit will forever be a part of this community for many years to come. Rest easy!
GRAND ISLE PORT COMMISSION ANNOUNCES DREDGING OF BAYOU RIGAUD
The Grand Isle Port Commission is pleased to announce that the dredging of Bayou Rigaud has commenced. This dredging project last occurred in 2010 and is critical to the overall commerce of the Grand Isle Port and the Town of Grand Isle.
Read the Press Release.
STAYING CONNECTED WITH THE GRAND ISLE PORT COMMISSION
The port has been working hard to accomplish past and future goals and improvements. We have received long awaited funding through FEMA and other Grant programs to help with the betterment of the port. It is not only our job to the port but also to the community to bring awareness of the importance of our establishment and also to the importance of our dedication in continuing to protect,preserve, restore and build to benifit the growth of Grand Isle.
Click here to view our media page.
Alternative Oyster Culture Anchoring System to be Tested
When many alternative oyster culture (AOC) operations on Grand Isle were damaged during the 2020 hurricane season, Louisiana State University (LSU) researchers and Louisiana Sea Grant (LSG) personnel thought they found a mechanism to help AOC farms defend against tropical storms.
Read the newsletter here: https://www.laseagrant.org
Grand Isle Port Commission hosts Biology students from the University of Louisiana Monroe
University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) professors, Dr. Kim Marie Tolson and Dr. John Carr, spent a week in June instructing ten Field Biology class students on conducting surveys for plants and animals on various properties in Grand Isle.
Read the press release here: http://grandisleport.com/?p=314
Grand Isle Port Commission Selects new Executive Director
The Grand Isle Port Commission recently appointed Weldon M. Danos as the new Executive Director. Mr. Danos, a native of Raceland, graduate of Central Lafourche High School and resident of Grand Isle has forty-three (43) years of domestic and international experience in the Oil & Gas, Marine, Chemical and Refining Industries.
Read the press release here: http://grandisleport.com/?p=306
Important Millage Renewal for the Grand Isle Port to be held April 9th
This is a renewal of an existing millage and not a new tax, and will benefit the Grand Isle Port Commission. The Grand Isle Port has used the funds raised for acquiring, constructing, improving, maintaining, or operating structures, facilities, and services (including economic development) for the Port of Grand Isle.
Juanita Cheramie appointed to Grand Isle Port Commission
NOLA.com, August 17, 2015
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/08/juanita_cheramie_appointed_to.html
New hatchery likely to double oyster production at LSU’s Grand Isle site, be something ‘every citizen in Louisiana will benefit from’
The Advocate, August 13, 2015
http://theadvocate.com/news/13152246-123/opening-of-new-hatchery-expected
New oyster hatchery officially opens on Grand Isle
NOLA.com, August 12, 2015
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2015/08/oyster_hatchery_grand_isle_ope.html
Oyster farming: Grand Isle test project’s harvest underway
Houmatoday.com, June 10, 2015
http://www.houmatoday.com/article/20150610/ARTICLES/150619967?p=3&tc=pg&tc=ar
Important Links
Town of Grand Isle
The town of Grand Isle’s official website, it features comprehensive information on attractions, lodging, food, upcoming events and community and government resources.
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Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is the state agency responsible for management of the state’s renewable natural resources including all wildlife and aquatic life.
Go
Louisiana Sea Grant
Louisiana Sea Grant, based at Louisiana State University, is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Sea Grant Program, a network made up of 33 Sea Grant programs located in each of the coastal and Great Lakes states and Puerto Rico. Sea Grant programs works to address major marine and coastal challenges.
Go
Grand Isle State Park
Grand Isle State Park is a natural haven on the most popular barrier island off the coast of Louisiana.
Go
Friends of Grand Isle
In the spring of 2005, a group of Grand Isle camp owners and fishing friends met to discuss organizing a group focused on the Jewel of the Louisiana Gulf Coast, Grand Isle.
The Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program
BTNEP is a partnership of government, business, scientists, conservation organizations, agricultural interests, and individuals for the preservation, protection, and restoration of the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary in southeast Louisiana.
Go
Town of Grand Isle
The town of Grand Isle’s official website, it features comprehensive information on attractions, lodging, food, upcoming events and community and government resources.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is the state agency responsible for management of the state’s renewable natural resources including all wildlife and aquatic life.
Louisiana Sea Grant
Louisiana Sea Grant, based at Louisiana State University, is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Sea Grant Program, a network made up of 33 Sea Grant programs located in each of the coastal and Great Lakes states and Puerto Rico. Sea Grant programs works to address major marine and coastal challenges.
Friends of Grand Isle
In the spring of 2005, a group of Grand Isle camp owners and fishing friends met to discuss organizing a group focused on the Jewel of the Louisiana Gulf Coast, Grand Isle.
The Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program
BTNEP is a partnership of government, business, scientists, conservation organizations, agricultural interests, and individuals for the preservation, protection, and restoration of the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary in southeast Louisiana.