Grand Isle Port Commission

The Grand Isle Port Commission governs the port located on Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island, serving as an essential link for the energy, commercial fishing, and tourism sectors in the Gulf of Mexico. Established in 1996 and overseen by a five-member board appointed by the governor, the Commission administers all maritime commerce, navigation, and port infrastructure within the town of Grand Isle and Ward 11 of Jefferson Parish. The port facilitates the movement of petroleum supplies and equipment vital to the offshore oil and gas industry, supports large commercial fisheries, and sees seasonal activity related to tourism and recreational boating. Its strategic position makes it a significant gateway to offshore platforms and fisheries throughout southern Louisiana, contributing materially to both local and state economies by enabling efficient logistics, cargo handling, and emergency marine response. The Grand Isle Port Commission is empowered by Louisiana law to manage wharves, landings, and tariff collection, and it operates independently as a primary local government entity.