Two bills propose competing methods for selecting port commission

(The Center Square) – Two pending bills at the statehouse this legislative session offer contrasting approaches for how local governments can choose members of the Caddo-Bossier Parishes Port Commission.

Both laws would alter who possesses authority to choose who serves on the port’s board, a regional organization that oversees major economic decisions in northwest Louisiana.

The Caddo-Bossier port acts as an industrial complex and transportation hub for barges and rail lines situated south of Shreveport along the Red River.

A nine-person commission governs the port’s commercial activities and is directly appointed by city and parish governments to serve six-year terms.

The legislation – if it becomes law – would affect the next appointment of three Shreveport and one Bossier Parish Police Jury commissioners, whose terms expire in the next year and a half. They are Sam Gregorio, Roy Griggs, James Hall and Rick Prescott, according to a report from the state’s Division of Admin...