Report on Session Guidelines
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Presentation Transcript
Report on Session Guidelines Bruce Lambert Executive Director Institute for Trade and Transportation Studies
General Response • Positive step foreword in process • Seen as good well creation for state if dialogue continues • Business climate is changing-timing is critical • LA is catching up to neighbors but opportunities exist
New pressures • Globalization • Panama Canal will change demands • Firms expanding overseas with limited funds
Economic Development • State needs to collaboratively develop intra regional competition with locals and state • Railroad access is considered too late in development phase • Corridor protection
Maritime Activities • Too many ports –regarding marketing, promotion, projects • Workforce development – deckhands, etc. • Inland navigation expansion – state as advocate for funding • Tax equity between barges and rail • Pilot fees is different associations • Dock and maritime union and labor • Inner Harbor Lock needs State support
Regional and National Development • I-20 as automobile highway • New Orleans Rail Gateway Modernization • Access to Markets is diverse
Railroad Issues • Railroad access into the Port of Lake Charles • Intermodal ramp availability • Interchange agreements along the river • Captive shippers – dual rail • Need rail funds for other modes like for airports • Standardization of railroad car weights on railway bed
Highway • Congestion in Baton Rouge, New Orleans • Rail Grade Crossings • Truck permitting standardization • Complete I-49 and I-69 • Improve 371, 171, 28
Institutional Needs • Training logistics and support professional staff • Coalition for Strategic Planning for State • State needs to change perception • Ombudsmen function
Next Steps • List of Topics for Review (internal) • Draft for Internal Review (internal) • Release Strategic Plan (external) • Freight Summit (external)