One of northwest Louisiana's largest economic engines broke ground Wednesday on a new project that will usher in over millions of gallons of water from Bossier City.
"This is a great day," said Tommy Chandler, Mayor of Bossier City. "Today is a great day for our Port, the Port of Shreveport-Bossier, and a great day for both Bossier and Shreveport."
Representatives from Port of Caddo-Bossier joined leaders from Bossier City to break ground on a new waterline that will supply water to underdeveloped portions of the Port.
The Port is on 4,000 acres piece of land located at the head of the Red River Waterway. It serves as a multimodal transportation and distribution center and is currently home to 17 national and international companies that employ more than 1,700 workers.
According to the Port, the new waterline will be bored 100 feet under the Red River and will extend from Parkway High School to the Port in Caddo Parish. "It's over a six mile stretch just to take it from its existing termination point in Bossier City, all the way to the Caddo Port," said Eric England, Executive Port Director.
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This waterline extension was approved by Bossier City Council in April 2023, but has been in the making for the last five years. With the help of Bossier City Councilman David Montgomery and Port Commission President Walt Bigby Jr. a plan was created to extend water capacity at the Port.
This plan will take water from Bossier City's Red River Water Treatment Plant, which was recently upgraded and can handle up to 50 million gallons of water a day. This project will benefit Bossier City because it will be collecting profit from the sale of the water to the tenants.
"I truly believe the residents of Bossier City will benefit greatly from this venture," said Montgomery. "By allowing the Port to tap into our water system, we will increase city revenue and at the same time create new jobs for our residents."
According to a study by the Trade and Industry Development, every job created at the Port equals four jobs created in neighboring parishes of Caddo and Bossier.
"I believe this waterline will bring new opportunities," said Chandler.
According to the Port, this project will be financed with a low-interest loan and will cost around $35 million. England said, "this waterline is the first step for the Port to upgrade our new sites for potential tenants."
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