Projects | 11-Mile Rail Extension | Louisiana Gateway Port

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The 11-mile Mainline Rail Extension expands Louisiana Gateway Port’s intermodal capacity by directly connecting the national rail network to current and future LGP stakeholders along the Lower Mississippi River. The project includes rehabilitation of an existing rail corridor and construction of new mainline track to support ship-to-rail cargo transfers.

BENEFITS AND ECONOMIC IMPACTS

Expanded Intermodal Connectivity

Rail access links underserved sites to marine and roadway networks.

Strengthens Waterside Investment Potential

Direct rail access enhances site readiness, making waterfront properties more attractive to private investment and long-term industrial development.

Improves Safety for Surrounding Communities

Shifting freight from trucks to rail reduces roadway congestion and heavy-vehicle traffic, supporting safer conditions for nearby neighborhoods.

PROJECT STATUS

🟢 In Progress — Engineering and Federal Environmental Review Underway

Official Project Name

Louisiana Gateway Port (LGP) Rail Extension

Project Description
Construction and operation of approximately 11 miles of new rail infrastructure connecting the New Orleans & Gulf Coast (NOGC) Railroad terminus (MP 24) to the future Louisiana Gateway Port terminal (MP 33) in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana.

Regulatory Oversight
Surface Transportation Board (STB)
Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA)
STB Docket No. FD 36633

STRATEGIC MILESTONES & PROJECT PROGRESS

This timeline is maintained to support federal grant monitoring, public transparency, and audit readiness.

Milestone	Status	Date
STB Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) Initial Consultation Initiated	Completed	September 2025
40% Design Submission to STB	Completed	January 16, 2026
CPRA Alignment Approval	Completed	August 2025
RAISE Grant Agreement Executed	Finalized	June 2024
STB NEPA Review	Underway	Target 2026

The 40% design package was formally submitted to the Surface Transportation Board on January 16, 2026, in support of the ongoing federal environmental review.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW & NEPA STATUS

Federal Environmental Review

The Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) is conducting the federal environmental review for this project pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

In September 2025, OEA initiated formal consultation with federal, state, and local agencies to determine the appropriate level of NEPA documentation required for the project. This process includes coordination under:

• NEPA

• National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)

• Other applicable environmental statutes

At this stage:

An Environmental Assessment (EA) has not yet been issued by OEA
Environmental documentation will be published by OEA and posted here as it becomes available

COMMUNITY & ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

Ironton Community Commitment

Louisiana Gateway Port is committed to the preservation and protection of the Ironton Community.

Current project planning and design:

Maintains a dedicated buffer zone between rail infrastructure and residential areas
Utilizes land north of residential neighborhoods
Results in zero residential displacement

The Port continues to coordinate with regulatory agencies to ensure community considerations are incorporated into the environmental review process.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION & TRANSPARENCY

Public engagement is a core component of the federal review process.

The Port has participated in public briefings and coordination meetings, including:

• CPRA Presentation — August 27, 2025

• Plaquemines Port Commission Meetings — Visit Plaquemines Parish Agenda Center >>

Additional public comment opportunities will be announced by the Surface Transportation Board as part of the NEPA process.

NEPA & PROJECT DOCUMENT LIBRARY

NEPA & Project Document Library
Documents below are part of the official federal administrative record for STB Docket No. FD 36633:

STB Office of Environmental Analysis — Click Here to View Initial Consultation Letter (September 2025) (PDF)
STB Docket No. FD 36633 — Click Here to Search Public Record
Project filings and environmental review materials are maintained by the Surface Transportation Board. Due to STB system limitations, this docket may not be searchable through the public records interface at all stages of review.
Agency Coordination Notices (issued by STB OEA and maintained as part of the federal administrative record)

COMPLIANCE & FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS

Labor & Equity Standards

This project adheres to all applicable federal requirements, including:

• Davis-Bacon Act prevailing wage standards

• Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation goals

Funding Disclosure

This project is supported by:

• The U.S. Department of Transportation (Federal Grant Funding)

• Local matching funds from the Plaquemines Port, Harbor & Terminal District

LGP RAIL EXTENSION