Mississippi River Deepening Study

The Big River Coalition and Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development commissioned economist Dr. Tim Ryan to calculate the economic impacts that deepening the Mississippi River would have on the state and national economy. The results of the study will be released during a press conference at the Port of New Orleans Administration Building, 1350 Port of New Orleans Place, Thursday, Aug. 22 at 3:15 p.m.

Expected to be in attendance for the release of “The Economic Impact of Deepening the Mississippi River to 50 Feet” are U.S. Senator David Vitter, Ranking Member U.S. Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works; Captain Mike Lorino, Big River Coalition Chairman; Sean M. Duffy, Sr., Big River Coalition Executive Director; Secretary Sherri LeBas, Louisiana Department of Transportation; Mr. Gary LaGrange, Port of New Orleans President and CEO, Dr. Tim Ryan, Economist and the Big River Coalition Board Members.

According to the Louisiana DOT, if the Lower Mississippi River is not deepened to match the controlling draft of the new Panama Canal locks, U.S. exporters become less competitive on the world market and consumers pay more for imports.