On 2/6/2024 U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is investing $3.3 million in Louisiana to support business and green industry growth.

The EDA investments announced were:

(1) The Chennault International Airport Authority in Lake Charles will receive a $2.5 million EDA grant for expansion of the airport’s fire suppression capacity to support business growth. The project will be matched with $2.3 million in local funds, is expected to create and retain more than 1,200 jobs and generate $5.9 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

(2) Thrive New Orleans will receive a $750,000 EDA grant to support expansion of the green industry sector through workforce training, infrastructure solution development, and minority-owned business growth. The project will be matched with $187,500 in local funds, is expected to create more than 1,100 jobs and generate $250 million in private investment, according to estimates.

This EDA funding reflects Louisiana's strategic focus on both infrastructure and the expansion of sustainable green industry growth. These awards for Chennault International Airport and Thrive New Orleans demonstrate our leadership and partnership, and also reflect the confidence LED has established with the Regional EDA office.

Congrats to all those on the team that made these important and strategic investments possible.