Why It Matters

The Port of New Orleans has brought on Patton Boggs LLP to bolster its federal advocacy, filing a registration amendment on April 28, 2026 that adds transportation to its existing maritime lobbying agenda.

The port is navigating a pivotal moment. A major terminal project is awaiting a federal construction permit, Mississippi River dredging remains chronically underfunded, and recurring low-water disruptions have rattled shippers for four years running. Adding Patton Boggs signals the port is expanding its footprint in Washington at a consequential time.

The port has been a consistent lobbying presence, represented by Jones Walker LLP, since at least early 2024. Patton Boggs appears to be an addition, not a replacement.

By the Numbers

Jones Walker billed the port $380,000 across nine quarters, from the first quarter of 2024 through the first quarter of 2026. Quarterly spending ranged from $10,000 to $70,000. The Patton Boggs registration amendment lists $0 in fees, consistent with a new engagement not yet reflected in a quarterly report.

The lobbying team now spans two firms:

  • Jones Walker: Paul Cambon and Chris Johnsen
  • Patton Boggs: Bradford Ellison, Rebekah Sungala, and Bill Shuster, a former Republican congressman from Pennsylvania who chaired the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

Rebekah Sungala previously served as Shuster's executive assistant for more than six years and worked on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

The Agenda

The port's lobbying disclosure covers two issue areas: Marine/Maritime/Boating/Fisheries and Transportation. No specific legislation is cited in the filing. Jones Walker's quarterly reports, filed consistently since 2024, identified the specific issue as maintenance of navigation on the Mississippi River. The addition of transportation as a second issue area is new, appearing for the first time in the Patton Boggs registration.

Broader Context

Several developments frame the port's expanded congressional lobbying activity.

Mississippi River dredging: The Army Corps of Engineers has budgeted roughly $63 million for deep-draft Mississippi River maintenance, well below the $100 million-plus the channel has required in recent years, according to Maritime Executive. The funding gap has led to delayed dredging and navigation restrictions. A hopper dredge is currently operating in Southwest Pass through late July 2026, according to Inland Rivers, Ports & Terminals.

Low water: The Mississippi River experienced critically low water levels during the fall 2025 harvest season, the fourth consecutive year of such disruptions, forcing barge operators to reduce loads and causing shipping delays, according to AccuWeather and UPI.

Louisiana International Terminal: The port submitted a federal permit application to the Army Corps of Engineers in summer 2025 for the Louisiana International Terminal, a major container terminal project in Violet, Louisiana. The permitting process is expected to continue through 2026, with Phase 1 projected to open in 2028. The project is backed by a $73.77 million U.S. DOT grant and $800 million in private investment from Ports America and Mediterranean Shipping Company, according to New Orleans CityBusiness.

Between the Lines

Congressional activity on maritime and water infrastructure has been active in the window leading up to this filing.

The House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation held a hearing on March 17, 2026 that touched directly on Gulf Coast port competition. Witness testimony at that hearing referenced the Port of New Orleans by name in a discussion of marine access and competitive positioning among Gulf ports.

The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment both held hearings on the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 in December 2025 and February 2026. Those sessions addressed port navigation channels, dredging, Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund utilization, and infrastructure maintenance priorities.

The House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation also held a hearing in July 2025 on the fiscal year 2026 Federal Maritime Commission budget, covering ocean shipping regulation and port operations.

On the member communications front, Sen. Bill Cassidy discussed job creation and economic initiatives in the New Orleans area in August 2025. Rep. Troy Carter announced $1.5 million for Lincoln Beach redevelopment in May 2025. Rep. Julia Letlow addressed rail and port infrastructure improvements in Northeast Louisiana in July 2025.

Competitive Landscape

Jones Walker lobbyist Paul Cambon also represents the Canaveral Port Authority on port infrastructure and Army Corps programs, and Canal Barge Co. Inc. on Jones Act support. Chris Johnsen has a similar portfolio, also representing Canaveral Port Authority and Canal Barge, along with the Alabama Export Railroad on infrastructure funding.

The Bottom Line

The Port of New Orleans has added a well-connected lobbying team at a moment when its core interests, river navigation funding, federal permitting for a major terminal, and ongoing dredging operations, are all active in Washington. The addition of a former Transportation Committee chairman to the roster reflects the breadth of issues now on the port's federal agenda.

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