Abbeville Harbor and Terminal lands $1 million grant to help bulk head port

The Abbeville Harbor and Terminal recently received great news from the state. The harbor and terminal is getting a $1.1 million Capital Outlay Grant to help finish bulk heading along the Port of Vermilion.
The cost to bulk head the remaining lots is just over $2 million. The harbor and terminal will pay just over $1 million and the grant will cover the rest.
“Without the grant, there was no way we could have afforded to bulk head,” said Jay Campbell, the executive director of the Port of Vermilion.
Bids for the project will go out in the near future.
At a recent harbor and terminal meeting, port of commissioner president Tim Creswell praised Campbell for the work he did to help land the $1.1 million grant.
“I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Mr. Campbell on the work that he has done to encourage Mr. (Bob) Hensgens to get us that money. I know money is not floating around in Baton Rouge. Jay did an outstanding job.”
Hensgens, who was not at the meeting, said getting the money was difficult. He thanked the other parish delegation for making it happen.
“Trying to get Capitol outlay this session was not easy, but not only did the harbor and terminal district put up a great application but their members and consultant worked hard during session,” Hensgens said. “Plus, I could never have done it without the help of the rest of the Vermilion delegation in Baton Rouge these things take a good team.”
In other news from the meeting, the five commissioners voted to make improvements to the living quarters that houses the United States Coast Guard Cutter Pelican, which is located at The Port of Vermilion.
There are 11 Coast Guard seamen who live in the quarters.
Campbell said the locks on the doors need be changed along with upgrading the security, redoing the carpet, along with repairing damaged walls.
Commissioner Wayne LeBleu would also like the engineer to look into building an extra bathroom and shower facility.
Engineer Richard Primeaux of Primeaux, Touchet and Associates will figure out a cost for the entire remodeling project and get back to the commissioners next month.