Governor John Bel Edwards was on hand in Shreveport for the announcement of American Electric Power’s investment of $100 million to develop a transmission control center in the city. Edwards said the plan will create 20 direct jobs with an average annual salary of $115 thousand.
“But also generate an estimated 63 indirect jobs. So, we’re talking about 83 jobs, 83 careers, 83 families. We’re talking about helping the community and all of Louisiana’s northwest region,” and Edwards.
The governor also announced that AEP’s new 77,000 square foot transmission facility will be the first business to locate in the Resilient Technology Park in Shreveport.
“And what we’ve seen in the past is that the facility that AEP is building will be a magnet for others who want to locate and make sure that they have access to that fiber and to reliable electricity,” said Edwards.
In addition to attracting other companies to the area, Edwards said the investment comes at a fortuitous time after much of the state experienced lengthy power losses after major winter storms and hurricanes last year.
And like the state, Edwards said AEP has made a commitment to net carbon emissions by 2050.
“And this is extremely important, renewable power and electricity will be the key to commercial and industrial investments, economic development opportunities, and job growth going forward,” said Edwards.
Resilient Technology Park, located near 1-20 and Greenwood Road is one of more than 100 available sites certified by LED for industrial projects.
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