Rapides Parish captured three of Louisiana’s 19 inaugural FastSites designations announced by Gov. Jeff Landry on March 3 — more than any other single parish in the state — positioning Central Louisiana as a front-runner in the state’s new industrial site readiness program.
The three Rapides Parish sites advancing in the first round of FastSites funding are Beaver Lake Industrial Park, England Airpark, and Port Distran.
FastSites is backed by the $150 million Site Investment and Infrastructure Fund created by Act 365 of the 2025 Regular Legislative Session and operates as a revolving capital program. As sites are sold or leased and development proceeds, the state recovers its investment and redeploys those funds into future projects, establishing a long-term, self-sustaining pipeline of competitive industrial sites.
“This isn’t economic development as usual. FastSites turns site preparation into a revolving investment and ensures public dollars don’t disappear, but instead work, return and work again,” Gov. Landry said. “Louisiana is not waiting for opportunity. We are preparing for it.”
LED Secretary Susan Bourgeois said the program eliminates barriers before they cost Louisiana projects. “FastSites reflects Louisiana’s commitment to solving challenges before they cost us projects. In today’s environment, if utilities, rail, roads or due diligence aren’t in place, companies simply move on. FastSites allows us to eliminate those barriers in advance and present Louisiana as truly project-ready.”
Louisiana Senate President Cameron Henry emphasized the fiscal discipline built into the program. “This fund was designed to ensure public dollars are invested responsibly and returned to the State, not spent once and gone. Preparing sites before industry calls gives Louisiana a competitive advantage, and because these funds revolve back into future projects, this becomes a long-term tool for sustainable growth.”
House Speaker Phillip DeVillier called the program a turning point for Louisiana. “For too long, Louisiana has been behind the game, but FastSites changes that by not only getting us in the game, but leading it through a smart approach. This program ensures Louisiana can compete and win the projects that create jobs for our people.”
Additional site-specific announcements, along with funding amounts, will follow as Cooperative Endeavor Agreements are completed over the next six months. More information is available at OpportunityLouisiana.gov/FastSites.
Source: Office of Governor Jeff Landry