SLS 24RS-2196 ORIGINAL
2024 Regular Session
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 106
BY SENATOR CARTER
MULTIMODAL COMMERCE. Creates a task force to study the utilization of multimodal
assets, specifically ports and rails by Louisiana local businesses.
1 A RESOLUTION
2 To create a task force to study the utilization of multimodal assets, specifically ports and
3 rails by Louisiana local businesses.
4 WHEREAS, the state of Louisiana has an ongoing commitment to the economic
5 support of Louisiana local businesses; and
6 WHEREAS, it is in the vital interest of the state that local businesses prosper and
7 grow; and
8 WHEREAS, the mission of the Department of Transportation and Development,
9 office of multimodal commerce is "to sustain a safe and reliable multimodal transportation
10 and infrastructure system that enhances mobility and economic opportunity"; and
11 WHEREAS, the mission of the ports and waterways division is "to continuously
12 improve the maritime transportation infrastructure for freight movement and river cruise
13 industry by nurturing economic development and enhancing quality of life through the
14 implementation of efficient, safe, and seamless multimodal transportation systems in
15 accordance with the Louisiana Statewide Transportation Plan"; and
16 WHEREAS, many state agencies and departments may have a plethora of
17 information that can help local business owners; and
18 WHEREAS, the department's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program
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1 was created with the intention of leveling the playing field for socially and economically
2 disadvantaged individuals wanting to do businesses with the Department of Transportation
3 and Development on U.S. Department of Transportation federally assisted projects; and
4 WHEREAS, many growers, manufacturers, fishermen, and other local businesses
5 across the state may not be aware of all the opportunities and programs offered by different
6 state agencies and departments; and
7 WHEREAS, the office of multimodal commerce is an invaluable resource for the
8 state, specifically ports, waterways, and railways as they relate to local businesses, yet it is
9 incumbent on the business owner to know how to access the resources, information, and
10 opportunities offered by each state entity; and
11 WHEREAS, the Louisiana Economic Development offers an array of educational,
12 managerial, and financial programs to assist local business growth and expansion; and
13 WHEREAS, having a centralized portal or electronic repository tying together
14 resources, information, training, and opportunities from across state and local government
15 that local businesses can access may help improve business outcomes; and
16 WHEREAS, Louisiana citizens should be able to ascertain how Louisiana
17 manufacturers, farmers, fishermen, and other businesses can better utilize Louisiana's port
18 and rail assets, how Louisiana ports can better engage in economic development of local
19 businesses within their jurisdiction and how Louisiana businesses can increase local
20 contracting opportunities with Louisiana's ports and railroads.
21 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
22 does hereby create a task force to study the utilization of multimodal assets, specifically
23 Louisiana ports and rails by local businesses.
24 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall be comprised of the
25 following members:
26 (1)The state senator for Senate District 7, who is a member of the Senate
27 Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
28 (2)The state senator for Senate District 2, who is a member of the Senate
29 Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
30 (3)The commissioner of the office multimodal commerce within the Department
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1 of Transportation and Development or his designee.
2 (4)The secretary of the Louisiana Economic Development or his designee.
3 (5)The commissioner of Division of Administration, office of state procurement
4 or his designee.
5 (6)The executive director of the Port Association of Louisiana or his designee.
6 (7)The executive director of the New Orleans Board of Trade or his designee.
7 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall solicit public input,
8 recommendations, advice, and documents from the following organizations that shall
9 include, but not be limited to:
10 (1)Port of South Louisiana.
11 (2)Port of New Orleans.
12 (3)Plaquemines Port Harbor Terminal District.
13 (4)Port of Lake Charles.
14 (5)Port of Greater Baton Rouge.
15 (6)St. Bernard Port, Harbor and Terminal District.
16 (7)Greater Lafourche Port Commission.
17 (8)Any and all other entities in which the task force considers necessary.
18 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the chairman of the task force shall be the
19 senator from District 7, the vice chairman shall be the senator from District 2, and the task
20 force may elect other officers as determined to be necessary.
21 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a majority of the total membership shall
22 constitute a quorum of the task force and that any official action shall require an affirmative
23 vote of a majority of the quorum present and voting.
24 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the names of the members chosen, designated,
25 or elected as provided herein shall be submitted to the chairman of the task force by August
26 1, 2024.
27 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall hold its organizational
28 meeting not later than September 1, 2024, on the call of the chair. At the organizational
29 meeting, the task force shall elect any other officers as it finds necessary and shall adopt
30 rules for its own procedure. The staff for the Senate committee on Transportation, Highways
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1 and Public Works shall be the staff support for the task force.
2 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall prepare and submit an initial
3 written report of its findings to the legislature no later than March 1, 2025 and shall
4 terminate on March 10, 2026.
The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Archana D. Cadge.
DIGEST
SR 106 Original 2024 Regular Session Carter
Creates a task force to study the utilization of multimodal assets, specifically ports and rails
by Louisiana local businesses.
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