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EDC director outlines potential projects and cites zoning limits across rural Jeff Davis Parish
Summary
EDC Director Cesilee Oliver reported on Project Marsh (about 60 potential jobs), Project Fuel in Lacassine, a $70 million RFP needing 20–30 acres and about 100 jobs, and announced a certified 170-acre site; Parish Administrator Ben Boudreaux said 99.9% of unincorporated land is zoned Agriculture, creating rezoning hurdles.
EDC Director Cesilee Oliver briefed the Jeff Davis Parish Economic Development Commission on multiple business prospects during the Sept. 10 meeting, including Project Marsh, which she said would employ roughly 60 people, and Project Fuel, which project leaders are seeking to locate in the Lacassine area.
Oliver said she submitted a request for proposals connected to a potential $70 million project that would need 20–30 acres and could employ about 100 people in Lacassine or Jennings. She also announced a new 170-acre certified industrial site on Hwy. 395 south of I‑10 at the Roanoke exit.
Parish Administrator Ben Boudreaux told commissioners that 99.9% of rural or unincorporated parish land is currently zoned Agriculture; rezoning would be necessary for many commercial developments. Commissioners discussed strategies to overcome rezoning constraints but did not adopt new zoning rules during the meeting. The commission agreed to invite Exxon/Mobil representatives to present to the board about CO2 projects at a future meeting.
The commission set its next meeting for Oct. 8, 2025. Several items discussed will require follow-up, including site development work, rezoning processes, and coordination with potential investors.
