port strategic plan
Overview
A four-part master plan was developed by the Avoyelles Parish Port Commission to direct the development of the 2,200-acre port site located on the Atchafalaya River. The Port, located where the Atchafalaya River, Mississippi River, and Red River meet, provides an opportunity for barge traffic to save time and money by utilizing this deepwater inland port. However, the Port Commission believes this great asset can benefit more than businesses seeking to transport goods. The multi-faceted port project includes phases for business and recreation, serving a broad spectrum of community needs.
The Port Commission developed a master plan for development with the mission to create quality jobs and be an economic engine for Avoyelles Parish.
Four Phase Development
Phase I, Recreation Area: Construction of a recreational facility which consists of a boat ramp, RV park, and outdoor amphitheater.
Phase II, Port Facility: (a) Construction of a 200’ x 35’ unloading dock with a two-lane entryway to be completed by Fall 2007; capability of adding a conveyor and hopper system for off-loading and unloading. (b) 100-acre industrial park and construction for the first tenant, a tank farm for liquid fertilizer.
Phase III, Canadaville: Canadaville, 856-acre home of Magna Organic Foods and Center of Excellence for Organic Farming for the southern U.S.
Phase IV, Future Development: Continued development for the remainder of the 2,220 acres.
The Avoyelles Parish Port Commission is committed to the long-term development of the port site, and has the capacity to move this important project to fruition.
Site Preparation
As part of its master development plan, a wetlands study was conducted for the Port by the U.S. Corps of Engineers, which concluded that the 2,200-acre site had minimal wetlands, was environmentally clean, and is a good, developable tract of land.
Utilities are in place in close proximity to the 2,200-acre site, and can easily be extended for any new developments. Canadaville expanded the water main size to its 856-acre tract to accommodate future expansion.
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