NEW ORLEANS (AP) The Port of New Orleans has been awarded a $16.7 million federal grant to help pay for construction of a freight rail terminal and other improvements as part of a $500 million expansion of its Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal Complex.

The Times-Picayune reported the project, which received the money from the Department of Transportation, involves moving a rail yard into a new 12-acre freight terminal at the Napoleon Avenue complex, along with paving 4 acres with heavy-duty concrete that can withstand handling and storing cargo at the Louisiana Avenue Terminal.

Overall, the effort is expected to generate or maintain 384 construction and maritime jobs, with $51.42 million in benefits, over the first 20 years of the 30-year life of the project, according to figures from Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-La., who announced the award.

“This funding allows the Port of New Orleans to capitalize on advantages that don’t exist anywhere else in the country,” Richmond said in a statement.

Gary LaGrange, president and CEO of the port, said the project will give New Orleans a competitive edge with other ports, since the rail will be closer to the dock, allowing cargo to be transferred more efficiently.

“You can almost do a direct transfer from the ship, taking the container off and putting it directly on the rail,” LaGrange said. “They’ll save a lot of time and save a lot of money,” he said.

The port had applied for about $21 million in funding. LaGrange said the port will make up the difference. The project should be completed by the end of 2012, he said.

Today's top stories

Growing Interest in Construction Careers Among Younger People Means Jobs Filled, Deadlines Met

Larry Young Paving Tackles Grade-Separated Interchange in Texas

Caltrans, Crews Working to Repair Highway Landslides

FIRSTGREEN Industries Launches ROCKEAT Electric Skid Steer Loader

'Tiltrotator Effect' Increases as Energy Consumption Goes Down

VIDEO: Birmingham, Ala., Awarded $14.5M Fed Grant to Revitalize Its 'Black Main Street'

Pettibone Celebrates 75th Anniversary of Cary-Lift

Fay Preps Way for Pittsburgh International Airport Modernization Project