Avoyelles Port Commission

The Avoyelles Parish Port Commission operates the Port of Avoyelles, located near Simmesport, Louisiana, on the Atchafalaya River roughly ten miles south of the junction of the Red, Mississippi, and Atchafalaya rivers. As an inland port, the site provides strategic access to major inland waterways and, by extension, the Gulf of Mexico, which positions it as a competitive hub for both regional and international commerce. The commission was established by Louisiana law and is tasked with regulating commerce, administering docks, and overseeing infrastructure development within Avoyelles Parish. The port benefits from proximity to highways and rail service, which further enhances logistics capabilities for freight movement. Incentive programs and state support, notably through Louisiana’s Port Construction and Development Priority Program, make the site attractive for business development and expansion. The commission maintains the authority to construct and acquire facilities, ensuring tailored solutions for commercial operations. By fostering a business-friendly environment and offering flexible development opportunities, the Avoyelles Parish Port Commission is a significant component of the central Louisiana transportation infrastructure.