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Jeff Davis EDC discusses Lacassine economic district, site-readiness and potential energy projects
Summary
Commissioners reviewed site-readiness work and several prospective projects for Lacassine and the parish, including a proposed economic development district, a water-plant Phase 1 filing with the state, possible industrial and energy projects and a consultant report on site readiness.
Jeff Davis Economic Development Commission members discussed a package of site-readiness work and prospective projects centered on Lacassine and other parish locations at the May 14 meeting.
Parish Administrator Ben Boudreaux described plans to form an economic development district in Lacassine that could generate revenue for zoning, infrastructure and GIS improvements; he said Phase 1 plans for the Lacassine water plant have been submitted to the state and are pending approval in Baton Rouge. Mayor Henry Guinn urged investment in updating and maintaining the parish GIS to support planning and to position Jennings for potential state funding.
Commissioners and staff listed potential projects under active consideration: a plant seeking frontage-road land in Lacassine; a separate site being pursued with LAFA and LED for another Lacassine location; a biomass-to-green-hydrogen opportunity; a renewable natural gas (RNG) project; retail-site work to be coordinated with Mayor Henry Guinn; an RFP planned for the Lacassine area; and discussions with a local gas-station/truck-stop operator about limited available land near Interstate 10.
Kendal Henry reported that Victor Leotta of Leotta Selection and Design recently led a workshop at Bayou Rum on strategic site planning and readiness; the consultant will compile a report for the board. Jeanne Boudreaux is assembling a land catalog listing available parcels to support outreach to prospective investors and site selectors.
The commission also approved an ITEP Committee (motion by Skip Broussard; second by Dr. Shane Fontenot) that will include municipal mayors for projects inside their city limits and representatives from the School Board, Police Jury and sheriff’s office to advise on infrastructure and project coordination.
No formal agreements or funding awards were recorded in the transcript; most items were described as work in progress and contingent on further steps, including state approvals and consultant findings.
