CSLEDD investments boost housing, commerce, and security in St. Landry Parish

Infrastructure and security enhancements across St. Landry Parish are progressing with financial support from the Central St. Landry Economic Development District (CSLEDD). Projects such as improved lighting and security cameras along I-49, water main extensions, and wastewater treatment upgrades are laying the foundation for economic growth and future development. In many cases, CSLEDD funding has been crucial in advancing these initiatives and leveraging additional investments from external sources, including the Louisiana Capital Outlay budget.

Waterline extension for I-49 frontage extends service, creates opportunities

The citizens of Opelousas will benefit from a waterline project on the I-49 North Service Road in Opelousas which has been funded by CSLEDD. The City of Opelousas will provide services to this area once the project is completed. CSLEDD President Buddy Helton explained water service is spotty along the corridor, and this project will fund about a mile of line running from one existing main to a second. One business is already planning to build when the extension occurs.

“With the availability of the water infrastructure, we will enhance the possibility of expansion and expand the footprint there for any other projects,” Helton said.
I-49 crime cameras and license plate readers support local police

In 2024, CSLEDD voted to provide $149,000 in funding to  install crime cameras and license plate readers along I-49 in Opelousas at the request of the police department. With the necessary state permits now secured, the project is moving to secure federal permits. The license plate readers will automatically identify vehicles linked to criminal activity or outstanding warrants, alerting local law enforcement in real time. Additionally, live-feed cameras will support crime prevention and suspect apprehension. Installation could begin as early as late June.

Lighting project expands service and upgrades existing equipment

CSLEDD is accelerating a major I-49 infrastructure project, backed by significant state investment, by providing matching funds. Since its inception, CSLEDD has worked to enhance lighting along the corridor, but gaps remained from Creswell Lane through the Judson Walsh and Harry Guilbeau interchanges. After discussions with the Louisiana DOTD about funding to close these gaps, it became clear that the aging lighting system required a full rebuild rather than simple upgrades.

Initially slated for a 2028-29 start, the project was fast-tracked due to CSLEDD’s ability to immediately secure a 90/10 funding match. The organization will contribute $800,000 toward the $8 million initiative. CSLEDD President Buddy Helton emphasized that as a quasi-governmental entity, CSLEDD has the flexibility to act swiftly on critical, time-sensitive projects.

The project will be completed in four phases, improving visibility along I-49 by addressing unlit areas and upgrading outdated lighting systems for long-term sustainability. Bidding on various phases will continue through 2025.

Wastewater treatment upgrades add capacity

“The base for any type of development is water and wastewater,” Chairman Helton explains. “You can’t have one without the other, and it makes it so much easier for development to happen if there’s that critical baseline infrastructure. We saw the need, and in 2019, we put together a package servicing the southern area of our district – the Harry Guilbeau area.”

With the project, a sewer treatment facility and collection systems were built followed by the rerouting of a city wastewater forced main to relieve pressure from the existing Opelousas facilities and redirect them to the new plant. A second phase of construction extended the intake system to the Crowne Parc development in the south.

“This was a large catalyst for not only the development of the Crowne Parc subdivision, but the Crowne Parc Commerce Plaza,” Helton shared. “We have a developer who purchased a lot of the property, and they’re putting in a residential development being built right now. The total project build-out was projected at 220 total homes.”

Between 25 and 30 homes are already completed and several more are under construction or for sale as they near completion.

For Phase 3 of the planned wastewater upgrades, CSLEDD is extending service to the east side of the interstate with the installation of a hard-line sewer system. This phase will be primarily funded through the State of Louisiana Capital Outlay program, which will cover 75% of the costs, with CSLEDD contributing the remaining 25%. Additionally, Phase 4 is being submitted for capital outlay funding and will extend along Harry Guilbeau Lane.

Equine Center supports horse industry in St. Landry

CSLEDD has driven economic growth with the 2024 purchase of the Louisiana Equine Sales and Events Center, along with 23 acres of adjacent land.

“We spent a year making upgrades, updating, and bringing the center itself up to code.” Helton said.

Beyond equine sales, the facility is available for rent for receptions, corporate meetings, birthday parties, and other events. Boyd Gaming, the owner of Evangeline Downs, also owns an adjacent property connected to the Louisiana Equine Sales and Event Center. The site features a training racetrack and seven barns with a capacity to accommodate 250-300 horses. Helton noted that the purchase opens the door for potential collaborations, such as featured races or complementary uses of the two facilities in the future.

CSLEDD funds projects through its taxing district, which generated $1.1 million in revenue in its first year with the current district borders. Annual revenue projections now exceed $1.6 million, with these funds reinvested into projects that drive economic growth. Initiatives include infrastructure development, security enhancements, lighting upgrades, and other quality-of-life improvements within the district.

To learn more about CSLEDD, click here. Interested in exploring the latest opportunities in St. Landry Parish? Contact SLED today.