By Cyndi Sellers

Cameron Parish Port Director Clair Marceaux received the United Stated Coast Guard Meritorious Public Service Award from the Coast Guard Eighth District during the Port Board meeting Wednesday, Dec. 2. The award, signed by the Eighth District Commander, Rear Admiral John P. Nadeau, and presented by Commander Darwin Jansen of the Lake Charles USCG unit, was given for her “exceptional support of the U. S. Coast Guard’s Marine Safety and Homeland Security missions” over the past four years.

The accompanying letter details Ms. Marceaux’s contributions: “During her tenure as the Port Director she supported over $75 billion in regional economic investment while protecting the interests of local residents and longtime waterway users. These investments include multiple LNG export terminals that are vital to national economic and security interests, providing a gateway for US natural gas to global markets. Throughout these expansions, she has worked diligently to open communications, bolster partnerships, and take proactive measures to improve the safety and security of waterways throughout southwest Louisiana.

“Ms. Marceaux led numerous collaborative efforts with diverse groups of maritime stakeholders, as highlighted by hosting of the waterways suitability assessment for the proposed $2 billion Commonwealth LNG Terminal. Her efforts and ability to build consensus among a wide array of port stakeholders; including federal, state and local officials, as well as members of the community, ensured the continued safety, security and resiliency of a vital federal waterway.

“Observing the risks of potential disruption of the Nation’s eleventh largest port complex by tonnage, she expertly facilitated the review and validation of a marine traffic plan that addressed over 250 construction barges transiting near the mouth of the Calcasieu River each month. Further she validated safe areas for large tows in case of onboard emergencies along this critical stretch of waterway. Her work facilitated the safe and efficient flow of maritime commerce through a highly congested area where nearly 2,500 barges and 985 deep-draft ships would transit in a ten month period.”

Admiral Nadeau said her support of the Coast Guard missions is “in keeping with the highest traditions of public service.