In a ceremonial key exchange on Tues., July 29, 2014, Port of Lake Charles Executive Director Bill Rase handed over the keys to the newly-renovated building at 152 Marine St. in Lake Charles to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials.

Under the umbrella of the Department of Homeland Security, CBP’s Offices of Field Operations and Border Patrol will both operate from the new building—one of only three locations in the country which have both offices under one roof.  The offices play an integral role in border protection and national security in the Southwest Louisiana region.

Accepting the keys were Clayton Istre, Office of Field Operations Port Director, and Brad Eddy, United States Border Patrol, Patrol Agent in Charge.

A ten-year lease is in effect with the U.S. Government Services Administration, an independent agency of the U.S. government, which provides office space, transportation and communications support, among other things, to government offices.

The Port of Lake Charles’ administrative offices were formerly housed in the building. In Sept. 2012, the port’s staff re-located to 751 Bayou Pines East, Suite P.

The Port of Lake Charles encompasses 203 square miles in Calcasieu Parish, is governed by a seven-member board of commissioners and operates marine terminals, properties zoned for industrial use and two industrial parks. For more information on the Port of Lake Charles visit www.portlc.com or call 337 493-3513.