Port advances on work at Charenton Canal port site

Port of West St. Mary Commissioners continue to move forward on development of the industrial site on the Charenton Navigation and Drainage Canal.
The port commission met Tuesday and learned that dredging of a slip and construction of roads at the site is on the near horizon.
A preconstruction meeting was held Tuesday, Executive Director David Allain said, and the contractor is ready to get to work.
A right of way agreement with Cleco was also approved Tuesday, a step toward future installation of a water line from the Town of Baldwin.
Also Tuesday, the port received a preliminary budget for the next fiscal year.
Allain said an agreement with LAD Services calls for the company to reimburse the port for the fire protection portion of the insurance on the facility on the Charenton Navigation and Drainage Canal, the old Superior Fabricators, which is owned by the port and leased to LAD Services. He noted that the amount shown in the budget for casualty insurance will be adjusted.
Also, water system maintenance costs have risen, Allain said. He asked for additional funds to cover the year.
The port water services both commercial customers and residential. Allain said rates are about in the middle of rates charged by Franklin and Baldwin.
The board will act on the budget in December.
There will also be a committee established from the commission to consider regular salary increases for staff.
Allain also said new channel markers at the Jaws should be installed within the next week or two.
Maintenance dredging at the port channel is also in the works, Allain said.