Infrastructure is the lifeline of a strong economy. To keep that lifeline strong, we must fix infrastructure problems that raise industry’s cost of doing business. Louisiana has the natural attributes of excellent logistics, and these must be fully developed and leveraged.

Reform the rail system
Many Louisiana chemical facilities are subject to unrestrained railroad monopoly power, either at the plant in Louisiana, at the facilities of customers, or at points in between. The resulting high transportation rates and unsatisfactory service is putting these facilities at a competitive disadvantage in a fiercely competitive global market. Here are some remedies: Correct distribution bottlenecks; invest in state-of-the-art automated rail switching yards; identify and fix regional inequities in rail rates that make the Gulf Coast non-competitive. Support legislation that encourages rail competition and requires railroads to charge reasonable rates, easing the burden on “captive” rail customers.

Add a Mississippi River rail crossing. Companies who must move product across the Mississippi River are at a disadvantage due to bottlenecks and switching issues that result from a lack of crossings. There are currently no river crossings for rail between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, making it difficult for companies in the industrial corridor to ensure on time delivery for their shipments.

Monitor the pilot fee process
Recently enacted reform legislation is a step in the right direction to ensure that river pilot rates are competitive with competing ports.

Build fully integrated industrial sites (“mega sites”)
Emulate successful programs from Europe, the Middle East and Asia by including integrated networks of product pipelines, utilities, support services and infrastructure. This should begin with a collaborative effort of engineering schools across the state to formulate a 30-year vision of what the chemical industry should look like in Louisiana and design a “site of the future” that will make Louisiana the leader in the world in petrochemical manufacturing.

Fix the roads
Complete the I-49 extension and build additional lanes border to border; consider light rail; a Baton Rouge loop; and privatize DOTD. Ensure that the state allocates appropriate matching funds for federal match programs. Business and industry rely heavily on roads and highways to get their products to market; therefore, all projects must be planned and funded efficiently.

Build levees that work throughout Louisiana
The Louisiana levee system was severely tested and damaged in several areas of south Louisiana, not only in New Orleans. The state levee system must be repaired to a high level of confidence so that the rebuilding effort can be successful.