Blanco Vetoes Proposed LNG Project
Gov. Kathleen Blanco late on May 5 vetoed a proposed offshore natural gas port over concerns that fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico could be harmed. Blanco had until May 7 to file any objections to a proposed federal license for the Main Pass Energy Hub, a liquefied natural gas terminal being sought by Freeport McMoRan Energy LLC, a subsidiary of New Orleans-based McMoRan Exploration Co. "Until studies demonstrate that the operation of the open rack vaporizer will not have an unacceptable impact on the surrounding ecosystem, I will only support LNG terminals using a closed loop system having negligible impacts to marine life," Blanco said in a letter sent on May 5 to Julie A. Nelson, acting deputy maritime administrator and chief counsel for the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Barge Headed for Repairs
Tugboats began towing Boomtown Casino's gambling barge on Feb. 13 to a dry dock in Pascagoula, where it was expected to arrive around midnight. The repairs at Signal International should take about three weeks. Penn National Gaming, which owns Boomtown and Casino Magic Bay St. Louis, has committed to rebuild its Coast properties. However, a timeline has yet to be announced. Company executives are expected to release more information this week when they issue a quarterly earnings report and host a conference call. (Source: Biloxi Sun Herald)
Natchez Barge Accident Investigated
A rainsquall that reduced visibility appears to have been the cause of a barge hitting a piling of the Mississippi River bridge at Natchez this past weekend, the Biloxi Sun Herald reported. The investigation is ongoing. As for previous reports that a power failure caused the accident, there's no evidence the barge lost power before the accident. The accident happened at about 8 p.m. on January 28 and involved a barge from Pine Bluff Sand and Gravel of Pine Bluff, Ark. There were no injuries. In addition, MDOT crews inspected the piling above the water level Sunday and found no damage. (Source: Biloxi Sun Herald)
HCDC, Edison Chouest Agree on Deal
The Harrison County Development Commission approved a land deal with Edison Chouest Offshore, in which HCDC is to sell 23 acres in Bernard Bayou Industrial Park to the company for $994,500 and to lease 7.8 acres along the industrial seaway for $10,850 per month. The company has declined to discuss its plans. The transaction now has to go to the Board of Supervisors. (Source: Biloxi Sun Herald)
