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