Avoyelles Port gets $4 million for new grain facility
SIMMESPORT — The Port of Avoyelles has been awarded $4 million in federal funding to build a facility that will move grain from trucks onto barges.
The award is listed in the U.S. Maritime Administration’s 2026 Port Infrastructure Development Program, confirming the funding announced by state Rep. Daryl Deshotel.
The new facility is planned for the port in Simmesport. Trucks will deliver grain to a receiving station equipped with certified scales. An enclosed conveyor will carry the grain to a loading tower, where it will be transferred onto barges.
Federal project documents also call for equipment to control dust, mooring piles and a powered winch system to help secure and position barges, along with related improvements to the site.
Deshotel said the project would help farmers get their crops to market more efficiently and support the parish’s agricultural economy. He also said it could create job opportunities and help prepare the parish for future industrial growth.
In his announcement, Deshotel thanked Jason Bordelon, Scott Williams, Andre Webb, Patrick Deshotels, Chris Lacour and Obie Ryland for their work on the project.
“Teamwork is what it took to bring this project to fruition,” Deshotel said.
He said other development efforts are underway but did not identify additional projects or funding awards.
A construction start date, completion date and estimated number of jobs were not provided in his announcement or the federal project description.
Sources: Statement from state Rep. Daryl Deshotel and the U.S. Maritime Administration’s 2026 grant awards, page 6.
Comments ()