A.  The navigable waterways within the port area as designated in La. Rev. Stat. 34:2473 shall constitute a public port.

B.  In order to stimulate the commerce and industry in the port area and to protect the public in its lives, health, and property, the port, in addition to any other rights, powers, or authority granted to it, may provide services for and regulate the traffic and commerce within the port area in such a manner as may in its judgment be for the best interest of the public.  Nothing herein contained shall be construed to deprive the parishes of St. Charles, St. John the Baptist or St. James, or the governing bodies thereof of any rights or powers which they have or exercise within the port area.

C.  The port, upon a record vote of a majority of the commission, may establish, promulgate, and enforce reasonable rules and regulations governing the use of the navigable waterways within the port area and the construction of public or private buildings, wharves, docks, warehouses, terminals, anchorages, fleeting operations, landings, transshipment operations, and other related facilities along the banks of the navigable waterways or on the bed of any navigable river, stream, lake, or other body of water within the port area.  In furtherance of this authority, and in addition to any other permits required by law the port may issue permits for any such construction upon determining that the plans and specifications therefor are in conformity with its rules and regulations and no such construction shall commence unless a permit authorizing such work is issued by the port.  Permits shall not be denied for reasons other than violation of safety or accepted navigation regulations.

D.  The port through its executive director is hereby authorized and empowered to provide fire and police protection, utilities, and other services for the port area and may construct facilities, purchase equipment, and employ officers, agents, and other personnel necessary and useful in the performance of his duties and the providing of such services or, upon such terms and conditions as he agrees to, may contract for the providing of such services by private persons, companies, and corporations or utilize the services of local, state, or federal governmental agencies and departments.

E.  The port may charge a reasonable fee to each vessel arriving in the port area in ballast or carrying cargo of any kind. It may establish and collect reasonable fees for the use of all structures, works and facilities administered by the port, and for any and all services rendered by it.  The fees charged shall be structured so as to reflect the burden which the vessel places upon the services therein provided.

F.  The port may undertake, contract for, and participate in educational, promotional advertising, and marketing of facilities within the port area.  The port may participate as members of local, state, national, and international business and trade organizations and associations in furtherance of the port’s operations and objectives.

Added by Acts 1978, No. 216, §1.  Amended by Acts 1980, No. 291, §1; Acts 1985, No. 604, §1, eff. July 13, 1985; Acts 1985, No. 821, §1; Acts 1999, No. 852, §1, eff. July 2, 1999.