Gary LaGrange Quotations

New Orleans blossomed into one of the most popular points of embarkation for cruise ship customers and was on pace to break the 1 million-passenger mark. The cruise industry evolved into a major economic engine for the entire city, generating $226 million in direct and indirect sales annually. NCL is a vital part of that success and I commend them for their support and commitment to the rebuilding of a greater New Orleans.

It's a historical moment. Two weeks ago the prognosis was six months, so to pull it off so our customers have enough faith and confidence in us is very heartwarming.

In the next several weeks, almost all of the Port of New Orleans will be dedicated to military relief vessels.

We're starting to get back to work today.

Thirty percent of the port is no longer in existence as we knew it Aug. 28.

The transit sheds incurred damage, but could be used while we make repairs.

The Port of New Orleans' riverfront terminals survived Hurricane Katrina in fairly decent shape. Although they are damaged, they are still workable once electrical power and manpower is available.

That 18-month (Army Corps) study will cause those nine companies to relocate to other states, other ports. We cannot afford to lose one job.

Truck drivers were hard to find before. That's a very vulnerable area now. Without trucks there are no ships. Without ships there are no jobs.

I would say that France Road and Jourdan Road are close to being a total loss.