The Natchitoches Parish Port held a Year End Christmas Dinner Dec. 19 at the Events Center. Executive Director Travis Tyler gave a Year End Report. Since 2012 the Port has been on a continuous growth pattern from 333,000 tons in 2012 to 765,551 tons as of Nov. 31.
“We shouldn’t have any problems exceeding 800,000 tons by the end of the year, with over 250,000 tons being brought by barge so far,” said Tyler. “For 2018 we look to continue the growth of the Port, especially on the Red River. We plan to capitalize on the current demand for frat sand that’s being brought into the area and possibly export a couple different products/materials to help out with the increased logistical costs that are acquired because of the draft restrictions that come with the river.”
Current tenants include Terral River Services, Madden Contracting, Matriculated Services, ADA Carbon Solutions and Kisatchie Chips. State Rep. Terry Brown, Parish President Rick Nowlin and Senator Gerald Long were in attendance, as well as Red River Waterway Executive Director Colin Brown.
Port Commissioners include President Nettles Brown, Ralph Ingram, Secretary/Treasurer Bill Allen, Vice Chairman Luke Fredericks and Dan Simmons.
The Port currently has four employees: Executive Director Travis Tyler, Executive Director Assistant Mickey Chambers, Operations Manager Sam Baker and Staff Member Curtis Johnson.
Before finishing his report, Tyler recognized former executive director for the Port, Robert Breedlove, who worked at the Port for 16 years developing it and making it prosper.
