Investments at the Central Louisiana Regional Port and Natchitoches Parish Port will expand manufacturing, warehousing and logistics capacity
ALEXANDRIA AND CAMPTI, La. (September 23, 2026) — Louisiana Economic Development has finalized more than $4.5 million in FastSites investments at two Louisiana ports, adding industrial capacity to support existing businesses and attract future manufacturing and logistics projects.
The state’s investment includes:
- Nearly $2 million for the Central Louisiana Regional Port to construct a 10-acre heavy-load hardstand supporting the expansion of DisTran Packaged Substations.
- $2.55 million for the Natchitoches Parish Port to expand warehouse capacity for manufacturing, storage, fabrication and logistics operations.
Together, the projects will strengthen two of Louisiana’s key multimodal industrial assets while supporting current operations and future business recruitment.
“Louisiana’s ports have always been a powerful part of how our state grows, connecting businesses, communities and industries to opportunity,” LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said.
“As companies expand and supply chains evolve, the ability to move quickly and add capacity becomes increasingly important. These investments strengthen the infrastructure that keeps our businesses growing while giving Louisiana more of what it needs to compete for the next generation of industrial investment.”
Louisiana Expands FastSites Funding to $200 Million
The Louisiana Legislature recently appropriated an additional $50 million for FastSites, bringing the Site Investment and Infrastructure Improvement Fund to $200 million.
The program’s next application round opens October 1, providing communities and property owners with another opportunity to pursue infrastructure and site-readiness projects across Louisiana.
“We’re proud to build on the success of the first round of FastSites as we prepare to open the next round of applications next week,” Louisiana Rep. Daryl Deshotel said.
“From the beginning, this program has been focused on moving quickly, from investment to construction, to meet the demands of business. The progress we are seeing now is a strong example of that vision becoming reality.”
FastSites operates through a revolving investment model. The participating ports will fully repay the combined investment of more than $4.5 million, allowing Louisiana to reinvest the money in future infrastructure and site-development projects.
“Our ports are already doing the work of supporting manufacturers, moving products and creating economic activity across Louisiana,” Louisiana Sen. Jay Luneau said. “These investments build on that foundation by giving both ports more capacity to serve growing businesses and pursue the next generation of industrial opportunity.”
Central Louisiana Regional Port Adds Heavy-Load Capacity
The Central Louisiana Regional Port is developing a 71.8-acre manufacturing and logistics campus in Alexandria to support the continued growth of DisTran Packaged Substations.
The nearly $2 million FastSites investment will finance construction of a 10-acre heavy-load hardstand within the larger development. The campus will include manufacturing and warehouse facilities, along with heavy-duty outdoor storage and staging areas.
The hardstand will provide dedicated space for receiving, storing and staging raw materials and finished products as DisTran expands its manufacturing operations.
FastSites-funded improvements are already underway and progressing ahead of schedule. By mid-August, more than half of the heavy-load hardstand had been completed, with finished portions already providing additional storage and staging capacity.
The remaining improvements are expected to be completed by November 1.
“The real value of the FastSites Program for Louisiana’s public ports is that it provides the speed and flexibility necessary to respond to industry when opportunities arise,” Central Louisiana Regional Port Executive Director Ben Russo said.
“Louisiana’s Port Priority Program is an extremely important source of infrastructure investment, but the backlog of approved projects can mean that funding is not available on the timeline required by private industry.”
Russo said FastSites helps close that timing gap by providing reimbursable capital that allows ports to advance approved projects and respond to the immediate needs of industrial partners.
“This investment reflects what’s possible when state and local partners work together to strengthen Central Louisiana’s transportation infrastructure,” Louisiana Central President and CEO Chris Masingill said.
“Our ports are critical assets for supporting existing industries, attracting new business, and creating opportunities across our 10-parish region. By investing in capacity today, we’re helping position Central Louisiana for continued growth and long-term economic success.”
Natchitoches Parish Port to Nearly Double Warehouse Capacity
The Natchitoches Parish Port in Campti currently offers approximately 62,000 square feet of warehouse capacity, along with access to the Red River, CPKC Railway and highway transportation.
Its $2.55 million FastSites investment will support site grading and construction of additional warehouse space, including the building’s foundation and slab.
The project will nearly double the port’s existing warehouse capacity, creating more space for:
- Manufacturing
- Storage and distribution
- Fabrication
- Cargo handling
- Industrial tenants
Construction is expected to begin near the end of 2026 and be completed in 2027.
“This FastSites investment is a tremendous opportunity for the Natchitoches Parish Port and for our region,” Natchitoches Parish Port Executive Director Travis Tyler said.
“Working closely with the State of Louisiana through FastSites allows us to increase our warehouse capacity and be better positioned to respond when new companies and investment opportunities come our way.”
Tyler said the additional capacity will help the port recruit manufacturers and industrial tenants, support business growth and create quality jobs in Natchitoches Parish.
“This is exactly what economic development is about: working together with the state to prepare today for the opportunities of tomorrow,” Tyler said.
Louisiana Rep. Jack McFarland said strong infrastructure helps communities compete when companies are considering new investments.
“Expanding warehouse capacity at the Natchitoches Parish Port gives businesses more room to grow while strengthening an important industrial asset for Natchitoches Parish and the broader region,” McFarland said.
“These types of investments are about preparing our region for growth,” North Louisiana Economic Partnership President and CEO Justyn Dixon said. “Expanding capacity at the Natchitoches Parish Port will support existing industry, create new opportunities for business development, and reinforce our position as a hub for manufacturing, logistics and commerce.”
About FastSites
FastSites is a Louisiana Economic Development initiative designed to transform available land and infrastructure into project-ready industrial sites.
Backed by the $200 million Site Investment and Infrastructure Improvement Fund created through Act 365 of the 2025 Regular Legislative Session, FastSites supports infrastructure construction, due diligence and other site-readiness activities that reduce the time, cost and risk associated with future economic development projects.
Learn more at OpportunityLouisiana.com/FastSites.
About Louisiana Economic Development
Louisiana Economic Development works to generate capital investment, employment and economic opportunities for Louisiana residents and businesses of all sizes.
Learn more at OpportunityLouisiana.com.
