The Cameron Ferry Boats Keel Laying Ceremony was held Thursday, Oct. 5, in Lockport where they are being constructed.

The $49.7 million project calls for constructing two new ferry boats for the Cameron crossing in Cameron Parish. The new boats will replace the Cameron II, which was built in 1964. These new boats will allow uninterrupted loading and unloading of large commercial vehicles and will allow residents to evacuate safely ahead on hurricanes. Construction is anticipated to wrap up in mid-2025.

The Ceremony Welcome was made by Seth Woods, DOTD District 7 Supervisor. Other speakers were Eric Kallvoda, Ph.D., DOTD Secretary; Ryan Bourriaque, State Representative, District 47; Walter Thomassie, Managing Director, Thoma-Sea Marine Contractors; John Warehouse, Elliott Bay Design Group; Scott Trahan, Cameron Parish Police Jury, District 5; and Sonny McGee, Cameron Parish Police Jury, District 1.