Moving Forward

Creation of the Central St. Landry Economic Development District is a “milestone achievement” that will open prime commercial sites along I-49 to development and spur parishwide growth now and well into the future.

On September 6, the parish council approved ordinances to create the new district and to allow a 1-cent sales tax within its boundaries to finance infrastructure improvements along I-49. The Opelousas Board of Aldermen approved creation of the district at its August meeting.

Additionally, legislation recently signed by Gov. John Bel Edwards will give the parish seat of Opelousas new tools to revitalize its downtown and to aid development along its key economic corridors within the city.

“These two measures advance two of our most urgent goals, development of the I-49 corridor and revitalization of the Opelousas business district.” according to Bill Rodier, St. Landry Parish development director.

“The I-49 corridor is the transportation backbone of St Landry Parish.  Aggressively promoting its growth is one of our key economic development priorities,” Rodier said. “This district expansion represents a milestone achievement towards that priority that will accelerate the business growth along the corridor now and for generations to come. It is already being looked at by other areas as as a unique progressive model that promotes collaborative partnership between local and parish governing bodies.

He noted that creation of the district may put the parish in position to receive state and federal development grants that would not otherwise be available.

“It will also give us the ability to do smart, planned development along what is potentially one of the most valuable economic corridors in south Louisiana,” he said. He also noted that, in many instances, projects for economic development districts on transportation corridors such as I-49 can receive matching funds so that locally generated money can be leveraged to create much greater value.

“The percentage in these match programs vary and they are not always available, but we have been successful in finding roadway and lighting improvement funding for some of our key I-49 intersections, and will now have the opportunity to look for additional funding,” Rodier said.

Frank “Buddy” Helton, a member of the commission that will oversee the Central district, said commissioners think it will create opportunities like those experienced in in nearby towns.

Although our district is unique because of the joint commission board, similar models in our region include Carencro, Scott, Broussard, New Iberia and Louisiana Avenue development in Lafayette, according to Rodier.

The Central district is an expansion of Harry Guilbeau Economic Development District that was created in the fall of 2014 and is governed by a seven-member board called The Economic Joint Commission, Members are appointed by the Parish President, the Parish Council, and the Mayor of Opelousas. That board will assume oversight of the new Central district.

The Joint Commission proposed expansion into the Central St Landry Economic Development District after looking at the development potential of the I-49 corridor, particularly from Opelousas south to Lafayette Parish.

According to commission documents, “The intent of this expanded district is to promote the growth of business along the I-49 Corridor in Opelousas. This will require leveraging monies as much as possible, but with a focus of funds usage dedicated to improving the business climate for current and future business along the corridor.

All funds generated by the district are dedicated for use within its boundaries for infrastructure improvements or general economic development.

“Priorities of funds usage will include sewer and water upgrades, interstate lighting improvements, necessary road and pedestrian improvements; enhanced maintenance along I-49, possibly creating a complimentary entertainment venue, a large RV Park, or similar venues that bring people to the area.”