After more than two decades of planning, the Houma Navigation Canal deepening project is finally within reach. But getting to the finish line requires something that federal funding and permits can’t provide: your voice.
What This Means for Your Family
If you work at the port, know someone who does, or benefit from the tax dollars that support our schools and roads, this project directly impacts you. The canal supports 8,000 jobs in our parish—positions that keep families here and our community thriving.
Right now, our 15-foot canal depth forces ships to operate half-empty, driving up costs and making other ports more attractive to businesses. Deepening to 20 feet means vessels can run at full capacity, keeping companies here and jobs secure.
Beyond Paychecks: Protecting Our Home
This isn’t just about commerce. The canal’s lock system will fight saltwater intrusion that threatens our wetlands. As part of the Morganza-to-the-Gulf system, it provides critical hurricane protection for our neighborhoods. And it positions Terrebonne Parish for growth in both traditional energy and marine fabrication and repair industries.
The Road Ahead
We’re closer than we’ve ever been. The agreement should be finalized early next year, followed by 3-5 years of pipeline work before dredging begins. But federal projects compete for limited dollars, and decision-makers pay attention to community support.
That’s where you come in.
How You Can Help
Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or just started your career at the port, your involvement matters. Reach out to your elected officials. Attend public meetings. Stay informed about project updates.
Sign up for updates at https://terrebonneport.com and follow us on social media to stay in the loop.
“We’ve spent 22 years proving this makes sense,” says David Rabalais, our Executive Director. “Now we need to prove our community stands behind it.”
The alternative? Watching businesses leave, neighbors lose work, and our parish fall behind while other ports surge ahead.
This project will shape Terrebonne Parish’s future for the next 50 years. Let’s make sure we get this done, together.
