Columbia Port Commission public meetings in 2025
13 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Columbia Port Commission
The Columbia Port Commission will meet to discuss routine financial reports, approve new bank account signatories, and review the 2026 budget proposal. Commissioners will also receive updates on several ongoing port infrastructure projects, including the Riverton Campground Road Project, security fencing, the Railspur project, and dock improvements. Multiple grant applications submitted for port-related initiatives will be reviewed.
- 2026 Budget Proposal review
- Riverton Campground Road Project status update
- DHS Security Fencing update
- Railspur project status update
- Submitted grant applications (MARAD Marine Highway Strategic Planning, LDENR-ICEP, PIDP, Capital Outlay) review
The Commission approved the proposed FY2026 budget and updated bank account signatories. The board also authorized payments for bills and accepted the November meeting minutes.
- Approved FY2026 Budget (unanimous)
- Added Secretary Monty Adams, Jr. to checking account and granted online access to Greg Richardson and Laura Hartt
- Approved payment of bills (unanimous)
- Accepted November meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Accepted bank statements (unanimous)
Columbia Port Commission
The Columbia Port Commission will hear a request for a $1 million loan under the LED’s Fast Sites Loan Program to support rail expansion. Commissioners will also receive updates on several ongoing port infrastructure projects, including the Riverton Campground Road Project, security fencing, the Railspur project, and a truck parking facility funded by FHWA.
- Request for $1M LED’s Fast Sites Loan Program for Rail Expansion
- Status update on Riverton Campground Road Project
- Status update on DHS-Security Fencing
- Status update on FHWA-Truck Parking Facility
- Submitted grant applications (MARAD Marine Highway Strategic Planning, LDENR-ICEP, PIDP) and Capital Outlay
The Commission authorized the Port Director to develop an application for the Louisiana Economic Development Fast Site Program to support the rail spur project. The State Bond Commission approved an additional $1 million in borrowing to complete the Riverton Campground Road project.
- Accepted bank statements (unanimous)
- Authorized Port Director to develop Fast Site application for rail spur project funding (passed)
- Decided not to hold a year-end event with the December meeting
- Approved payment of bills (unanimous)
- Deferred approval of October meeting minutes
Columbia Port Commission
The Columbia Port Commission will consider a resolution for a bond commission and discuss the impact of the federal government shutdown on LCRED funds, which must be spent by December 31, 2025. The agenda also includes updates on multiple projects, including the Riverton Campground Road rail crossing, security fencing, and grant applications. The meeting is scheduled for October 16, 2025, at the Caldwell Parish Library.
- Resolution for Bond Commission
- LCRED funds deadline December 31, 2025, impact of government shutdown
- Status on Riverton Campground Road Project, rail crossing
- Status on DHS Security Fencing
- Submitted grant applications: MARAD Marine Highway Strategic Planning, LDENR ICEP, PIDP
The Commission approved the proposed FY2026 budget and updated bank account signatures. The board also authorized payments for bills and accepted the previous meeting's minutes.
- Approved FY2026 Budget (unanimous)
- Added Secretary Monty Adams, Jr. to checking account and granted online access to Greg Richardson and Laura Hartt
- Approved payment of bills (unanimous)
- Accepted November meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Accepted bank statements (unanimous)
Columbia Port Commission
The Port Commission will discuss new business including a Union Pacific Riverton Campground Road crossing closure, a DRA Strategic Grant Award, and DHS bid opening. Old business updates cover bonds, tenant status, purchasing a house, and multiple infrastructure projects such as the Riverton Campground Road, DHS security fencing, Railspur, PIDD dock, FHWA truck parking, EDA staging area, and LaDOTD power to the ports. The meeting also includes submitted and pending grant applications, attorney and accountant reports, and the port director's report.
- Union Pacific Riverton Campground Road Crossing Closure
- DRA – Strategic Grant Award
- DHS bid opening
- EDA Bid Submittal
- Status on LaDOTD PPP – Power to the Ports
Columbia Port Commission
The Port Commission will review financial reports and consider bonds for LaDOTD PPP FOIK and P2P projects. The body will also address a 2026-27 Capital Outlay application and the postponement of a DHS Security Fencing equipment bid opening.
- Bond for LaDOTD PPP FOIK project
- Bond for LaDOTD PPP P2P
- Postponement of DHS Security Fencing equipment bid opening
- Capital Outlay 2026-27 application
- Status updates on Riverton Campground Road, Railspur, and FHWA Truck Parking Facility projects
The Commission adopted a resolution to accept a consent letter from Caldwell Bank and Trust to continue using a bond for the Riverton Campground Road project. The board also authorized BHA to handle Capital Outlay 2026-27 submittals and approved the payment of outstanding bills.
- Approved resolution to accept Caldwell Bank consent letter and continue Riverton Campground Road bond (3-0-1)
- Approved resolution to assign BHA to handle Capital Outlay 2026-27 submittal
- Approved payment of all outstanding bills presented to the board
- Approved previous meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Accepted bank statements (unanimous)
Columbia Port Commission
The Commission will review the MARAD Marine Highway Program Strategic Master Plan and various ongoing infrastructure projects. The meeting includes status updates on several grant applications and port tenant developments.
- MARAD Marine Highway Program – Strategic Master Plan
- Riverton Campground Road Project status
- DHS Security Fencing status
- Railspur project status
- FHWA Truck Parking Facility status
The Commission approved previous meeting minutes, bank statements, and the payment of outstanding bills. Members reviewed the FY2024 audit and discussed several pending grant applications and infrastructure projects.
- Approved previous meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Accepted bank statements (unanimous)
- Approved payment of outstanding invoices (unanimous)
Columbia Port Commission
The Commission will discuss the status of several infrastructure projects and grant applications. Members will also review the pursuit of a house and 3 acres at Riverton Campground Road and US 165 for a Guard Station.
- Purchase of house and 3 acres at Riverton Campground Road and US 165 for a Guard Station
- Status of FY2024 Audit
- Marine Highway Grant
- Status of Railspur project
- Status of FHWA Truck Parking Facility
The Commission approved the previous meeting's minutes, accepted bank statements, and authorized the payment of outstanding invoices. Members discussed FY2024 audit findings and several pending grant applications for infrastructure and planning.
- Approved previous meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Accepted bank statements (unanimous)
- Approved payment of outstanding invoices (unanimous)
Columbia Port Commission
The Commission will receive updates on several ongoing infrastructure and security projects. The agenda includes progress reports on tenant updates, railspur development, and various grant-funded facility pursuits.
- Update on purchasing house and 3 acres at Riverton Campground Road and US 165 for a Guard Station
- Status updates on DHS security fencing, Railspur project, and PIDP Dock
- Status updates on FHWA Truck Parking Facility and EDA Emergency Staging Area
- Update on LaDOTD PPP Power to the Ports solar manufacturing facility and solar farm
- Review of submitted and pending grant applications including Capital Outlay and DENR services
Columbia Port Commission
The Port of Columbia is discussing several grant applications and project updates at its April 17 meeting. New business includes a $200,000 LaDOTD security grant for a guard station, a $350,000 DENR electrical engineering request for port electrification, and a $5 million DOT-CFP earmark for a rail spur extension. Old business covers updates on tenants, Louisiana Green Fuels, and multiple infrastructure projects.
- LaDOTD Security Grant - $200,000 for Security Guard Station
- DOT-CFP Earmark PIDP Railspur extension $5 million request due March 28
- DENR Full submittal for Electrical Engineering Services for Port Electrification $350,000
- Execution of purchase of right away agreement from LGF for Hatten Carr Property
- Submitted grant applications for Capital Outlay, Community Project Funding Rail Expansion
The Commission approved the payment of all outstanding bills and authorized the Port Director to attend a State Infrastructure Bank conference in Texas. Members discussed potentially purchasing a property for $225,000 to serve as a security guard station using a LaDOTD grant. The board also acknowledged a lease agreement with the Tensas Levee Board for cottonseed warehouse space at $500 per month.
- Approved previous meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Accepted bank statements (unanimous)
- Authorized Port Director to attend SIB conference in Austin, Texas
- Approved payment of all outstanding invoices (unanimous)
- Authorized Port Director to negotiate purchase of property at Riverton Campground Road and US 165
Columbia Port Commission
The Port Commission will consider a $5 million request for a Railspur extension earmark due March 28th and a $350,000 full submittal for electrical engineering services for port electrification. The board will also receive updates on port tenants, the Hatten Carr property purchase, and a campground road project. No decisions are recorded on the agenda; items are listed for discussion or action.
- DOT-CFP – Earmark PIDP Railspur extension $5 million request due March 28th
- DENR – Full submittal for Electrical Engineering Services for Port Electrification $350,000
- Update on status of Hatten Carr’s Property purchase
- Update on Riverton Campground Road Project
- Update on awarded grants and pending applications
The Commission approved the previous meeting's minutes, accepted bank statements, and authorized payment of all outstanding invoices. The board also received updates on several grant applications and the purchase of the Hatten Carr property for $777,940.
- Approved previous meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Accepted bank statements (unanimous)
- Approved payment of all outstanding bills (unanimous)
Columbia Port Commission
The Commission is meeting to review financial reports and discuss several pending grant deadlines. The body will also receive status updates on land purchases and ongoing construction projects.
- DOE Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas Concept letter (due Feb 27, 2025)
- DOT – PIDP 2025 Rail Improvement Resubmittal (due April 30, 2025)
- Land purchase of Hatten Carr’s Property
- Riverton Campground Road Project
- DHS Security Fencing construction activities
Columbia Port Commission
The Commission approved funding for engineering services to support a rail expansion grant and authorized the submission of a DOE grant concept letter for solar development. The board also approved previous minutes, bank statements, and outstanding invoices.
- Approved $10,000 for BHA engineers to develop a rail expansion grant application
- Approved submission of concept letter for DOE Rural and Remote Grant Application (solar panels/Virtual Power Plant)
- Approved previous meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Accepted bank statements (unanimous)
- Approved payment of all outstanding bills (unanimous)
Columbia Port Commission
The Columbia Port Commission will meet to adopt the budget and receive updates on port tenants, the Reynold’s Property land purchase, the Riverton Campground Road project, and DHS security fencing. The board will also review awarded grants and pending applications, along with commissioner compliance reports.
- Adopt budget
- Update on purchase of Reynold’s Property
- Status of Riverton Campground Road Project
- Status of DHS Security Fencing construction
- Update on awarded grants and pending applications
The Commission unanimously approved the previous meeting's minutes, accepted current bank statements, and authorized payment of all outstanding bills. The Port Director provided updates on several grant-funded infrastructure projects and tenant rent collections.
- Approved previous meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Accepted bank statements for checking accounts (unanimous)
- Approved payment of all outstanding invoices (unanimous)