State and local officials Wednesday were scheduled to announce state certification of a nearly 22-acre site near Carencro suitable for business development.
In an issued statement, One Acadiana said the Northpark site on Pont des Mouton Road would be formally revealed as Louisiana Economic Development’s first certified business site in the state, the product of a new program launched by the state agency in 2016. It is the eighth certified site in Acadiana — the others are sites more suited for industry and manufacturing.
“The certification of this site marks significant progress for Acadiana’s economic development goals,” One Acadiana said.
One Acadiana was to make the announcement with Lafayette Economic Development Authority, Lafayette Utilities System and Lafayette Consolidated Government.
“The site is now classified as development ready for companies seeking opportunities for relocation or expansion in south Louisiana,” LEDA said in an issued statement.
The site is on the Matrix Loop in Northpark, which is part of a larger, 35.4-acre site. The LEDA park was established in 1983. Twelve business operate in Northpark, LEDA said; the certified site will be within the park.
“Since its development, Northpark has catered to specialized firms in the technology, manufacturing, aviation, communication and energy sectors,” said Gregg Gothreaux, president and CEO of LEDA.
“I’m excited about the potential business development opportunities this site certification will bring to District 3 and to Lafayette Parish,” said Pat Lewis, city-parish councilman.
“Lafayette has a strong team of economic development allies that I am happy to be a part of,” said Lafayette Mayor-President Joel Robideaux.
LUS and LUS Fiber will provide infrastructure.
Jason El Koubi, president and CEO of One Acadiana, said LED Certified Sites generally focus on larger, industrial or manufacturing ready sites. But LED expanded its program in 2016 to focus on 10-25 acre sites suitable for businesses and office parks.
Because sites are inspected and pre-cleared for potential, investing companies, El Koubi said, that lowers the risk for development. The designation will put Lafayette Parish under consideration for more prospective businesses.