Ruston, La. – On Monday’s “Good Morning Mayor,” Mayor Ronnie Walker highlighted how a decade‑long infrastructure plan is turning the city into a hub for jobs, technology and family‑friendly retail.
Infrastructure tax fuels $250 million of upgrades
When Walker assumed office 12 years ago, city officials presented a $300 million wish list for water, sewer, streets and public facilities. Recognizing the need for a realistic funding path, Walker held 30 town‑hall meetings and secured voter approval for a 20‑year, three‑quarter‑cent sales tax.
Ten years into the program, Ruston has completed more than $250 million in upgrades, including modernized water and sewer lines, resurfaced streets, new bike trails, a state‑of‑the‑art sports complex and renovated public buildings. Walker said the improvements gave the city the capacity to attract major investors.
Buc‑ee’s and new housing arrive
“I never will forget the day Buc‑ee’s actually came and looked,” Walker recalled. “Their first three questions were, ‘How much water do you have here,’ ‘how much sewer capacity do you have,’ and ‘how much electricity can you provide us?'” With the infrastructure in place, the popular travel‑center is slated to open in April, bringing jobs and a family‑focused destination to the community.
Adjacent to the upcoming Buc‑ee’s, a 305‑home subdivision is under construction near the sports complex, offering new housing options for growing families.
Louisiana’s first microchip plant on the horizon
Beyond retail, Ruston is poised to become a technology hub. The city, the state and Louisiana Tech University plan to break ground in January on Louisiana’s first microchip manufacturing facility, a joint venture that promises high‑tech jobs and strengthens the state’s supply chain.
Walker praised the collaborative relationship with Louisiana Tech, noting that the university’s campus already extends into downtown. The city previously invested $1 million in “Checkpoint Two,” a facility that connects incoming tech firms with university interns, and maintains close ties with nearby Grambling State University.
People remain the city’s greatest asset
While celebrating new businesses, hotels and restaurants, Walker emphasized that Ruston’s people are its core strength. “How many cities do you know that will say yes, mayor – a rookie mayor – that we’re going to allow you to pass a tax so that we can see this growth? You don’t see that very often,” he said.
The mayor’s approach reflects a blend of fiscal responsibility, community engagement and a long‑term vision that aligns with the values of faith, family and liberty cherished by Ruston residents.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
