BATON ROUGE, La. (Mar. 4, 2026) — Louisiana Economic Development (LED) has announced the selection of 19 sites across 16 parishes to advance through the inaugural round of the state’s FastSites program, representing the largest coordinated industrial site investment initiative in Louisiana’s history.
The program marks a strategic shift in how the state prepares for major corporate investment opportunities by proactively developing shovel-ready sites capable of supporting large-scale industrial projects. Through FastSites, Louisiana is investing capital in site preparation and infrastructure improvements before projects are announced, positioning the state to compete nationally for transformational investments in advanced manufacturing, logistics, energy innovation, and next-generation industries.
“This isn’t economic development as usual,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “FastSites turns site preparation into a revolving investment that ensures public dollars continue working for Louisiana. Instead of reacting to opportunities, we are preparing for them and building a stronger competitive position for long-term economic growth.”
A Strategic Approach to Site Development
Sites were selected through a competitive evaluation process that considered market viability, infrastructure readiness, development timelines, and the potential return of capital to the state. Each project was required to demonstrate a clear pathway for repayment as development occurs, reinforcing the program’s revolving investment model.
“FastSites reflects Louisiana’s commitment to solving challenges before they cost us projects,” said LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois. “In today’s competitive environment, companies expect sites to already have utilities, transportation access, and due diligence completed. FastSites allows Louisiana to remove those barriers and present truly project-ready locations.”
The selected sites represent a diverse range of industrial properties across Louisiana, varying in size, geography, and infrastructure requirements, while collectively expanding the state’s inventory of development-ready assets capable of supporting priority industries.
FastSites Selected in First Round
The following locations have been selected to move forward in the program’s first round:
- Acadiana Regional Airport — Iberia Parish
- ARQ Red River — Red River Parish
- Avondale Global Gateway — Jefferson Parish
- Beaver Lake Industrial Park — Rapides Parish
- England Airpark — Rapides Parish
- Esperanza — St. Charles Parish
- Franklinton Industrial Park — Washington Parish
- Gulf South Commerce Park — St. Tammany Parish
- Lake Charles Regional Airport — Calcasieu Parish
- McLeod Business Park — Lafourche Parish
- Natchitoches Parish Port Warehouse — Natchitoches Parish
- Naval Support Activity Site — Orleans Parish
- Port Distran — Rapides Parish
- Port of Caddo-Bossier — Caddo Parish
- Port of Columbia — Caldwell Parish
- Port Vinton — Calcasieu Parish
- Proof Works — East Baton Rouge Parish
- Riverplex MegaPark Port — Ascension Parish
- South Monroe Industrial Park — Ouachita Parish
$150 Million Fund Creates Long-Term Development Pipeline
The FastSites program is supported by the $150 million Site Investment and Infrastructure Fund, established through Act 365 of the 2025 Louisiana Legislative Session. The fund operates as a revolving capital investment program, meaning the state’s investment is returned as sites are sold or leased and development occurs. Recovered funds are then reinvested into future site readiness projects.
“This fund ensures public dollars are invested responsibly and returned to the state rather than spent once and gone,” said Louisiana Senate President Cameron Henry. “Preparing sites before industry calls gives Louisiana a significant competitive advantage and creates a sustainable pipeline of development opportunities.”
Legislative leaders say the initiative positions Louisiana to compete more effectively with other states aggressively investing in site readiness.
“Across the country, states are investing heavily in industrial site preparation to attract major projects,” said Louisiana House Speaker Phillip DeVillier. “FastSites puts Louisiana back in the game — and in many cases ahead of it — by ensuring we are ready to compete for projects that create jobs and long-term economic growth.”
Preparing Sites for Major Investment
Investments made through the FastSites program may include:
- Infrastructure extensions
- Rail and roadway access improvements
- Utility capacity upgrades
- Environmental remediation
- Site demolition and clearing
- Due diligence and engineering studies
These improvements are designed to reduce development risk, shorten project timelines, and provide greater certainty for private investment.
“Nationally competitive states treat site readiness as a capital strategy rather than a grant program,” said LED Director of Strategic Investments Landon Lemoine. “FastSites protects taxpayer dollars while giving Louisiana the speed, certainty, and credibility needed to compete for multi-billion-dollar projects.”
Additional site-specific funding announcements and project details are expected to be released over the coming months as Cooperative Endeavor Agreements are finalized.
For more information about the FastSites program, visit OpportunityLouisiana.com/FastSites.
