The Jefferson Parish Port District, which is part of JEDCO, is responsible for the economic development of all navigable waterways in Jefferson Parish that do not exceed 15 feet in depth (excluding Grand Isle). This includes Lake Pontchartrain, the Harvey Canal, Bayou Segnette and Bayou Barataria.

Bayou Segnette Dredging and Harbor
JEDCO has obtained funding for two important Bayou Segnette projects. The first is construction of a $1 million commercial and recreation harbor at the northern terminus of Bayou Segnette. This harbor will have space for an assortment of recreational and commercial facilities. Concurrent with this project, JEDCO has been successful in including Bayou Segnette channel dredging in the Corps of Engineers maintenance budget. This $800,000+ undertaking will remove silt that has accumulated over the years along portions of the waterway. Current conditions have hampered efforts of area fishermen to remain competitive, as silting has caused damage to props and shafts of many boats.

Kerner Bridge
The 55-year-old Kerner Bridge in Lafitte is a major impediment (only 72-feet wide) to large barge traffic from the Harvey Canal, as well as a problem for local residents (the bridge is open 20-30 times per day, stopping all traffic). A recent study has determined a more suitable location for a new bridge that will be wide enough to accommodate the 100-foot oil rig sections produced on the Harvey Canal. JEDCO and others are seeking funding for a new structure that will improve quality of life in the area and be more appropriate for barge traffic.

Harvey Canal
JEDCO has obtained funding for various studies that highlighted the importance of the Harvey Canal to Jefferson Parish. Included in these studies is an analysis of access routes to and from the Harvey Canal. We also developed and completed a model that shows economic statistics including jobs and revenue generated by this area. In addition, JEDCO continues to market available sites along the canal to new industries.

For additional information, please contact:


Port / Transportation Director
Phone: (504) 833-1881 ext. 344