Eastern Gulf/Lower Mississippi Gateway

The Eastern Gulf/Lower Mississippi Gateway is located in the southern heartland of the United States. Its area of responsibility encompasses Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, the panhandle of Florida, and internationally, the east coast of Mexico. This Gateway houses part of the Mississippi River and its tributaries which comprises of a vast marine highway that flows into the Gulf of Mexico. Within its area of responsibility it also contains the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port, two offshore Liquefied Natural Gas terminals and the largest tonnage port district in the western hemisphere, and 61 coastal and inland ports.

According to the North American Export Grain Association, as of August 2005, the ports of Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and South Louisiana serve as a gateway for nearly 55 to 70 percent of all U.S. exported corn, soy, and wheat. Barges carry these grains from the Mississippi River to the ports for storage and export. Imports to these ports include steel, rubber, coffee, fruits, and vegetables. Ports in Louisiana export 53% of U.S. grains and transport 20% of U.S. petroleum products. The Port of Mobile is ranked 10th in the nation for 2006 port cargo tonnage by volume, both foreign and domestic.

The Eastern Gulf/Lower Mississippi Gateway area of expertise includes bulk, breakbulk cargoes and disaster recovery and serves as the Gateway Team Leader for the Agency on regional and local issues.  Gateway staff has a vast network, including federal, state, and local industry partners.