Port Makes Stategic Land Purchase

The Port of Greater Baton Rouge recently purchased a parcel of land strategically located adjacent to the port's Inland Rivers Marine Terminal. The purchase includes 140 acres of land with 5,000 linear feet of water frontage on the U.S. Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. The land was purchased from 11 heirs of the Hummel estate. The $1.675 million purchase was brokered by Marc Barker of Latter & Blum Realtors.

Port of Greater Baton Rouge CEO Roger Richard said, "Purchasing the land was a recommendation from the port's Millennium Plan." Developed for the port in 2002, the Millennium Plan is a blueprint for the port¹s future, outlining goals and strategies for economic development. "Purchasing this additional tract of land will provide an opportunity for the port to continue growing and to focus on our mission of promoting international trade and economic development."

Located west of the Inland Rivers Marine Terminal, the newly acquired land is slated for a possible barge docking facility and industrial development. The land offers ready access to U.S. Interstate 10, Louisiana Highway 1 and Union Pacific Railroad. The Intracoastal Waterway shortens the water-bound route to Houston by 170 miles.

Greg Johnson, Port of Greater Baton Rouge director of business development, said, "Our current facilities at the Inland Rivers Marine Terminal are growing, and the addition of land will allow us to expand services where necessary and bring in more services." Currently Osprey Line, LLC operates container-on-barge service from the IRMT, and Katoen Natie Louisiana, LLC operates a warehousing, packaging and trans-loading service for polymers there.

Plans are underway for development of the property. Richard continued, "Baton Rouge is a great place to do business and to bring business. That¹s our goal at the port. Each new or expanded service that we offer means more business for our region. This property acquisition is an important facet in our continued growth, and it will enhance our standing as a key transportation hub in the Gulf Coast region."