At the Sabine Parish Police Jury meeting on November 20, 2024, a significant proposal aimed at revitalizing the local economy took center stage. The discussion focused on engaging the Tempting Group to develop a comprehensive economic plan for the parish, which has struggled with job retention and industrial growth.

Blake, a key speaker at the meeting, emphasized the urgent need for new industries to support the community, stating, "We need help... at the end of the day, we need industry to come and help us grow." He highlighted the importance of addressing the diverse needs of various towns within the parish, noting that each area has unique requirements for economic development.

The proposal involves a detailed plan that would take 12 to 18 months to implement, during which the Tempting Group will conduct community outreach, including open discussions and booths at local schools. This approach aims to gather input from residents about their hopes and concerns for the parish's future.

To fund this initiative, the committee proposed utilizing approximately $126,000 in unused funds from a long-standing grant designated for economic development. This includes $28,301 from an industrial committee account that has remained dormant for over 13 years. The remaining funds would come from the police jury's budget, with local businesses also expressing willingness to contribute.

The proposal received unanimous support from the mayors involved in the industrial committee, reflecting a strong desire for collaborative progress. The next step involves referring the proposal to the finance committee for further discussion and potential approval.

This initiative represents a proactive step towards addressing economic challenges in Sabine Parish, with hopes that a structured plan will attract new industries and create job opportunities for residents.