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For Immediate Release
September 4, 2025
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Council President Morrell and Council Vice President Moreno File Resolution In Opposition to the Alabo Street Grain Terminal
NEW ORLEANS, LA - Councilmembers JP Morrell and Helena Moreno are standing with the Lower 9th Ward community and stating their opposition to the Alabo Street Grain Terminal through a City Council resolution that will be heard at next week’s meeting. Under the agreement made between the Port of New Orleans and Sunrise Foods International,
negotiated without any community input, a 10-car train would transport grain through residential neighborhoods with little plans for pest and dust mitigation. Neighbors have expressed concerns regarding the potential negative impacts of the Alabo Street Sunrise Food grain terminal, including but not limited to: environmental concerns, traffic and safety issues, community displacement, and lack of community engagement.
The resolution expresses the need for Sunrise Foods to move to an alternative location.
“I am alarmed by the lack of community outreach and collaboration surrounding the Alabo Street Grain Terminal, and I share the community’s concerns,” said Council President JP Morrell. “There are far too many health concerns and unanswered questions for this project to move forward as scheduled at this location. I heavily encourage all state and federal partners to take a stronger stance on this project that would significantly impact the daily life of Lower Ninth Ward residents.”
“Sunrise Foods would benefit from moving to an alternative site where a neighborhood wouldn’t be disrupted and they could be supported,” said Council Vice President Helena Moreno. Neighborhoods are not just concerned, but scared about what this project could do to their community and well-being. I urge port officials to think outside the box to find another option for this project.”
In June 2024, the Port of New Orleans struck a deal with Sunrise Foods to operate a grain terminal and train at the Alabo Street Wharf in the Lower Ninth Ward. Neighbors had no opportunity to provide input on the project, which poses significant risks to the community, including pests, dust, and noise pollution. Neither the Port nor Sunrise Foods has released any plans to help mitigate the health and environmental concerns of Lower Ninth Ward residents.
While the City Council has no legal authority over port operations, councilmembers believe it is imperative that their position is clear and the Port board has the opportunity to align with the leadership of the city.
The resolution will be heard at the full council meeting on September 11th.
Read the resolution here.
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Contact:
Monet Brignac
Director of Communications
Councilmember Jean-Paul Morrell
504.975.2897
monet.brignac-sullivan@nola.gov
Contact:
Chief of Staff
Office of City Council Vice President Helena Moreno
504.658.1063
Sayde.Finkel@nola.gov
 New Orleans City Council
The New Orleans City Council is the legislative branch of the New Orleans city government. The Council considers and enacts all local laws that govern the City of New Orleans. The Council also approves the operating and capital budgets for the City, as recommended by the mayor, and continually monitors revenues and expenditures for local government operations. The City Council is also the regulatory body for public utilities. It also reviews and has the final say on many land use and zoning matters, as well as considers major economic development projects for the City. As a Board of Review for Orleans Parish, the Council examines appeals of property tax assessments for real estate taxes and certifies tax rolls to the Louisiana Tax Commission. Other responsibilities of the Council include overseeing the operation of the public access television in Orleans Parish. Streaming video and video archives of the City Council's Regular and Committee meetings can be found on the City Council website.
The City Council is comprised of five districts and Councilmembers-at-large: Council President and Councilmember-at-Large JP Morrell; Council Vice President and Councilmember-At-Large Helena Moreno; District "A" Councilmember Joseph I. Giarrusso, III; District "B" Councilmember Lesli D. Harris; District "C" Councilmember Freddie King III; District "D" Councilmember Eugene J. Green, Jr.; and District "E" Councilmember Oliver M. Thomas, Jr.
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