Infrastructure improvements will transform 102 acres in Lafourche Parish into shovel-ready commercial and light-industrial sites
LOCKPORT, La. — Louisiana Economic Development has finalized a $1.4 million FastSites investment to prepare McLeod Business Park for future commercial and light-industrial development in Lafourche Parish.
The project will transform 102 acres of former agricultural property into development-ready sites, strengthening the Bayou Region’s ability to attract advanced manufacturing, maritime technology, aerospace, energy and other growing industries.
Project Highlights
- $1.4 million FastSites investment
- 102 acres planned for commercial and light-industrial development
- New public roads and turning lanes
- Updated drainage infrastructure
- Water, natural gas, electric and telecommunications improvements
- Strategic access to the Port of Fourchon corridor
- State repayment scheduled to begin in 2027
- Full repayment anticipated by August 2031
Preparing Lafourche Parish for New Investment
Louisiana’s investment will support the construction of public roads and turning lanes, improvements to drainage systems and the extension of essential utilities throughout McLeod Business Park.
These upgrades will create multiple shovel-ready sites while reducing the time, expense and development risk companies face when selecting a new location.
“The Bayou Region has always been home to industries that build, move and power the world,” LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said. “Today, that foundation is creating new opportunities in advanced manufacturing, maritime technology, aerospace and energy.”
Bourgeois said the FastSites program allows Louisiana communities to prepare properties before prospective employers begin making location decisions.
From Agricultural Land to a Business and Industrial Hub
Compass Capital Realty Manager and Founder Jourdan Despot said the investment will serve as a catalyst for transforming the former agricultural property into a competitive commercial and industrial destination.
“LED’s FastSites investment is a critical catalyst that allows us to build infrastructure and site readiness,” Despot said. “This funding empowers us to install essential utilities and competitive site features, ultimately allowing us to attract innovative businesses, create high-quality jobs and drive lasting economic growth within our community.”
Strategic Access to Transportation and Infrastructure
Located along Louisiana Highway 308 in Lockport, McLeod Business Park offers access to key transportation corridors and regional economic assets.
The property is located:
- Along the Port of Fourchon corridor
- Six miles from U.S. Highway 90
- 27 miles from Interstate 10
- Approximately 41 minutes from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
The site already has access to electric, water, natural gas and telecommunications infrastructure. It is also positioned for potential navigable water access through Bayou Lafourche, providing an opportunity for future multimodal connectivity.
Strengthening Louisiana’s Site-Readiness Portfolio
State Sen. Mike Fesi said the project reflects the purpose of Louisiana’s Site Investment and Infrastructure Improvement Fund.
“By investing in infrastructure before companies make location decisions, Louisiana is giving communities like ours the tools they need to compete for transformative projects and the jobs that come with them,” Fesi said.
State Rep. Joseph Orgeron emphasized the value of cooperation among state, regional and local economic development partners.
“McLeod Business Park demonstrates what can happen when state, regional and local partners work together with a shared vision,” Orgeron said. “This investment strengthens the Bayou Region’s competitiveness today while creating opportunities that will benefit our communities for years to come.”
Supporting Growth Across the Bayou Region
The investment comes as the Bayou Region experiences continued growth across several of Louisiana’s targeted industries.
Recent projects involving autonomous maritime technology, advanced shipbuilding and the energy sector have increased demand for development-ready industrial properties capable of accommodating future expansions and new business locations.
“Lafourche Parish is happy to have been selected as one of the 16 parishes for the Louisiana FastSites program,” Parish President Mitch Orgeron said. “This investment in McLeod Business Park will give Lafourche Parish an opportunity to expand our local economy. Lafourche Parish is open for business.”
COLAB CEO Christy Zeringue said successful economic development begins well before a company publicly announces a project.
“McLeod Business Park is a strong example of Lafourche Parish taking that proactive approach by creating a site that can better meet the needs of today’s businesses and site selectors,” Zeringue said. “Investments like this strengthen our regional portfolio and help position the Bayou Region for future business growth and job creation.”
Revolving Investment Model Supports Future Sites
The McLeod Business Park award is structured as a revolving investment that will return capital to the state as development progresses.
Under the project’s Cooperative Endeavor Agreement, repayment will begin in 2027. The full $1.4 million is scheduled to be repaid by August 2031.
Louisiana can then reinvest the returned funding in other infrastructure and site-development projects, helping create a sustainable statewide pipeline of properties ready for new business investment.
About FastSites
FastSites is a Louisiana Economic Development initiative that transforms land and existing infrastructure into project-ready sites.
The program is backed by the $150 million Site Investment and Infrastructure Fund created through Act 365 of Louisiana’s 2025 Regular Legislative Session. Funding supports infrastructure construction, due diligence and other preparation activities designed to reduce the time, cost and risk associated with 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.
