CAMPTI, La. – Louisiana Economic Development announced a $2.55 million state investment to expand warehouse capacity at the Natchitoches Parish Port. The funding, part of the FastSites program, is aimed at strengthening the port’s ability to serve existing manufacturers and attract new industrial tenants.
State support for regional growth
LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said Louisiana’s ports have long been a “powerful part of how our state grows,” connecting businesses, communities and industries to opportunity. She added that expanding port infrastructure is essential as supply chains evolve and companies look for rapid, reliable capacity.
Project details and timeline
The Natchitoches Parish Port project will begin toward the end of 2026 with completion expected in 2027. Port Executive Director Travis Tyler called the FastSites investment “a tremendous opportunity for the Natchitoches Parish Port and for our region,” noting that the added warehouse space will help the port respond quickly when new companies seek a foothold in Louisiana.
State Rep. Jack McFarland echoed the sentiment, saying strong infrastructure gives communities a better chance to compete for new investment. “Expanding warehouse capacity at the Natchitoches Parish Port gives businesses more room to grow while strengthening an important industrial asset for Natchitoches Parish and the broader region,” he said.
Economic impact
Justyn Dixon, President and CEO of the North Louisiana Economic Partnership, highlighted that the expansion will support existing industry, create new business‑development opportunities and reinforce the region’s position as a hub for manufacturing, logistics and commerce.
FastSites operates as a revolving investment model: the $2.55 million, along with nearly $2 million allocated to the Central Louisiana Regional Port, will be repaid by the private partners involved. Those repayments allow the state to reinvest the funds in future site‑readiness projects across Louisiana.
Legislative backing
The Louisiana Legislature recently added $50 million to the FastSites fund, bringing the Site Investment and Infrastructure Improvement Fund to $200 million. The next application round opens on Oct. 1, giving additional communities and site owners the chance to pursue infrastructure upgrades.
What this means for local workers
Port officials anticipate that the expanded warehouse capacity will generate quality jobs for residents of Natchitoches Parish. By preparing the port for future growth, the state aims to create a stable employment pipeline that supports families and strengthens the local economy.
Overall, the investment reflects Louisiana’s commitment to leveraging its multimodal assets to attract industrial development and ensure the state remains competitive in the national logistics landscape.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
