By LEONARD GRAY – Managing Editor

LAPLACE – Bayou Steel, the State of Louisiana and the Port of South Louisiana took the next step in an agreement to finance a dock renovation at the mill.

At the port commission’s April 20 meeting, the final documents will be approved and signed toward paying for the $1.5 million renovation.

During the life of the loan, the Port will own the dock facility and lease it back to Bayou Steel in payment for the financing (which includes a $1.056,000 grant from the Louisiana Department of Economic Development), then return ownership once the renovation is paid for, according to Executive Director Joseph Accardo.

Also at the April 8 special meeting, the port commission awarded the contract to Marsh USA, the lowest bidder. More discussion over terrorism coverage was planned for the April 20 meeting but Commissioner Jay Roberts urged prompt approval, seeing no reason for delay.

A task order was also approved for the railroad spur construction at Globalplex. Phase one will upgrade the present spur to Building 19 and the next step will be to continue to Building 19 (the old Baker-Heritage building), then continue to the Canadian National Railroad.

Also, the port entered into a five-year lease agreement with Gulf American Terminal Services, which comes with three, three-year options to extend the agreement. Finally, Commissioner Joey Murray, the board’s treasurer, urged for a new auditor, Wilson Lagraize, to replace Postlewaite & Netterville.

Commissioner Louis Joseph complained the topic should at least have been discussed with president Gregory Gravois prior to the meeting,

A finance committee meeting followed to discuss the annual budget.