Louisiana Economic Development has finalized a $1.4 million FastSites investment to accelerate infrastructure improvements at McLeod Business Park in Lafourche Parish. The project will transform 102 acres of former agricultural land into development-ready sites and strengthen the Bayou Region’s ability to compete for the next generation of business investment.
“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. FastSites allows us to prepare communities before opportunity arrives, ensuring Louisiana has the sites, infrastructure and readiness to compete for the industries shaping our future.”
The state’s investment will support construction of public roads, turning lanes, updated drainage systems and utility extensions throughout the business park. These improvements will create multiple shovel-ready sites capable of supporting future commercial and light-industrial development while significantly reducing the time and cost required for companies to locate in the region.
“We are excited to be able to transform this former agricultural space into a premier commercial and industrial hub,” Compass Capital Realty Manager and Founder Jourdan Despot said. “LED’s FastSites investment is a critical catalyst that allows us to build infrastructure and site readiness. 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.”
Located along Highway 308 in Lockport, McLeod Business Park offers direct access to the Port of Fourchon corridor and is six miles from U.S. Highway 90, 27 miles from Interstate 10 and within 41 minutes of Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. The site is positioned for future multimodal connectivity with existing electric, water, natural gas and telecommunications infrastructure, as well as potential navigable water access through Bayou Lafourche.
“This project represents exactly why the Legislature created the Site Investment and Infrastructure Improvement Fund,” Louisiana State Sen. Mike Fesi said. “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.”
“McLeod Business Park demonstrates what can happen when state, regional and local partners work together with a shared vision,” Louisiana State Rep. Joseph Orgeron said. “This investment strengthens the Bayou Region’s competitiveness today while creating opportunities that will benefit our communities for years to come.”
The investment comes as the Bayou Region continues to be a key player in the state’s historic momentum with wins across several of Louisiana’s strategic industry sectors. Recent investments in autonomous maritime technology, advanced shipbuilding and continued energy sector growth have increased demand for development-ready industrial sites capable of supporting future business expansion.
“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 the McLeod Business Park will give Lafourche Parish an opportunity to expand our local economy. Lafourche Parish is open for business.”
“Economic development often starts long before a company announces a project. It starts with communities making the investments necessary to be ready when opportunity comes,” COLAB CEO Christy Zeringue said. “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. Investments like this strengthen our regional portfolio and help position the Bayou Region for future business growth and job creation.”
As part of the FastSites program, the McLeod Business Park investment is structured to return capital to the state as development moves forward. The Cooperative Endeavor Agreement outlines a repayment schedule beginning in 2027, with full repayment of the $1.4 million investment by August 2031. This revolving investment model allows Louisiana to reinvest those funds into future site and infrastructure projects, creating a sustainable pipeline of development-ready sites statewide.
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