By JIM BUTLER

The Central Louisiana Regional Port’s net position increased 4.75 percent in the fiscal year that ended April 30 despite a 4 percent drop in lease revenue.

According to an audit report prepared in late October and released in late November an operating loss of $406,000 was absorbed by non-operating gain of $1.8 million.

Depreciation expense of $761,000 was the drag on the operating account. Salaries, including Executive Director Ben Russo’s $141,812, totaled $263,000. Operating revenue was $1.05 million. Non-depreciation expense including payroll was $542,000, the audit notes.

Revenue from services, leases, etc. totaled $897,000. The audit notes a 4 percent drop in lease revenue was due to an extended maintenance outage on one of the Red River-Overton Waterway locks.

Two tenants were unable to bring in materials via the river and a military rotation was forced to turn to alternative facilities.

About the same time the audit report was published the port learned it will get a Delta Regional Authority grant this fiscal year of $1.2 million for expansion of facilities accommodating Distran’s operation.

The Authority was established by federal law about 20 years ago to promote economic development in the Mississippi River region.