It’s a game-changer for how Louisiana competes for major economic development projects. Louisiana Economic Development launches the FastSites program. Governor Landry says it’s a program in which the state invests money to make sites shovel-ready for economic development projects.
“We make sure that water lines and vital infrastructure are already in place, and that permits are readily in a fast-track mode for those particular sites,” Landry explained.
Landry says the state chose from a pool of 50 applicants for FastSites funding, and those chosen span 16 parishes throughout the state. (19 sites were chosen.)
“This month, 19 sites across Louisiana are moving forward in the first round of FastSites,” Landry said.
Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says getting these sites ready is essential for the state to be able to compete with neighboring states for major economic development projects in advanced manufacturing, logistics and next-generation industries.
“Companies eliminate sites immediately if gaps exist. If utilities, access, or environmental conditions are uncertain, a project will go elsewhere, often before a serious conversation can even begin,” Landry noted.
The FastSites program is backed by the $150 million Site Investment and Infrastructure Fund created in the last legislative session.
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