Report on Session Guidelines Bruce Lambert Executive Director Institute for Trade and Transportation Studies

General Response  Positive step foreword in process  Seen as good well creation for state if dialogue continues  Business climate is changing-timing is critical  LA is catching up to neighbors but opportunities exist

New pressures  Globalization  Panama Canal will change demands  Firms expanding overseas with limited funds

Economic Development  State needs to collaboratively develop intra regional competition with locals and state  Railroad access is considered too late in development phase  Corridor protection

Maritime Activities  Too many ports –regarding marketing, promotion, projects  Workforce development – deckhands, etc.  Inland navigation expansion – state as advocate for funding  Tax equity between barges and rail  Pilot fees is different associations  Dock and maritime union and labor  Inner Harbor Lock needs State support

Regional and National Development  I-20 as automobile highway  New Orleans Rail Gateway Modernization  Access to Markets is diverse

Railroad Issues  Railroad access into the Port of Lake Charles  Intermodal ramp availability  Interchange agreements along the river  Captive shippers – dual rail  Need rail funds for other modes like for airports  Standardization of railroad car weights on railway bed

Highway  Congestion in Baton Rouge, New Orleans  Rail Grade Crossings  Truck permitting standardization  Complete I-49 and I-69  Improve 371, 171, 28

Institutional Needs  Training logistics and support professional staff  Coalition for Strategic Planning for State  State needs to change perception  Ombudsmen function

Next Steps  List of Topics for Review (internal)  Draft for Internal Review (internal)  Release Strategic Plan (external)  Freight Summit (external)