Meraux Foundation Cuts Ties with SBEDF Over Port Terminal
The Meraux Foundation opposes the Port of New Orleans' plans for a container terminal and has cut ties with the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation over the issue. The Meraux Foundation sent the following letter to SBEDF today:
April 12, 2023
Dear St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation:
The Meraux Foundation has been proud to serve on the board of the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation these past several years and, especially, to have recently been appointed Board Chair. SBEDF’s mission and that of the Meraux Foundation align so closely that they read verbatim: to “improve the quality of life” in St. Bernard Parish. The Meraux Foundation and SBEDF have long worked together on projects to advance this shared mission, and our family foundation has invested considerable time and money to support SBEDF in its work.
The Meraux Foundation has been a “Diamond Investor” of SBEDF. We helped create and fund business and workforce development programs, like Startup St. Bernard and Working on the Water. We partner to market our properties to attract businesses and create jobs. We helped make big economic development wins for the parish possible, including Walmart, Tractor Supply, the hospital, and St. Claude Arts, among many others.
Disappointingly, it has become clear that there has been a divergence between our two organizations. Years ago, the Meraux Foundation announced its opposition to the Port of New Orleans’ plans for the “Louisiana International Terminal,” a massive container terminal that will destroy our community. Likewise, the St. Bernard Parish Council (SBEDF’s top funder) voted unanimously in opposition to the terminal, and thousands of residents are actively against it.
In spite of this overwhelming local opposition, the shroud of secrecy surrounding the project, and the lack of evidence that it would have a net positive impact on our parish, certain members of SBEDF appear determined to actively champion the development of the massive container terminal.
Given the position of the Meraux Foundation and its belief that the container terminal would be detrimental to our future, we hereby tender our resignation from the board effective immediately. Furthermore, the Meraux Foundation will no longer invest in SBEDF because it is acting contrary to our shared mission to improve the quality of life. As such, the Meraux Foundation will not renew its sponsorship of, fund initiatives of, or lease property to SBEDF.
St. Bernard Parish is on the right path. Industries reflecting smart economic principles are growing, including film, arts, ecotourism, and blue-green infrastructure, among others. The Meraux Foundation will continue to actively support and invest in this type of economic development, which plays to our community’s strengths, is sustainable, and improves the quality of life for all those who live, work, and play here.
Sincerely,
Arlene & Joseph Meraux Charitable Foundation