1. A. Terms not otherwise defined in this Chapter shall have the same meaning given to them in R.S. 51:2316, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

2. B. In this Chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings provided herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

   1. Begin Construction—construction of an infrastructure project shall begin when:

      1. a. in the case of a new building, either:

         1. i. materials to be used in the project, worth more than 5 percent of the construction budget, are placed at the project site; or
         2. ii. other work is performed on the site which is visible from a simple inspection and reasonably indicates that the work has begun, such as substantial land fill, soil reinforcement or pouring of a foundation.

      2. b. in the case of a retrofit project to an existing structure:

         1. i. materials to be used in the project, worth more than 10 percent of the construction budget, are placed at the project site; or
         2. ii. equipment to be used in the project, worth more than 20 percent of the construction budget, is placed and operational at the project site.
      3. c. or as otherwise approved by the secretary
   2. Department—Louisiana Economic Development. Abbreviated and also known as “LED”

   3. Distressed Community—an area that is economically distressed or underdeveloped, which is defined as:

      1. a. lowest 25 percent of parishes by average annual wage according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), or
      2. b. areas considered Deeply Distressed within the New Market Tax Credit program administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s (Treasury) Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI) in accordance with Internal Revenue Code 26 U.S.C. 45D, and applicable Treasury regulations 26 CFR 1.45D-1, as may be amended, or
      3. c. as approved by the Secretary.
   4. Other Property—property that is not publicly owned, to the extent allowable under Article VII, Section 14 of the Louisiana Constitution or other applicable state law, as approved by LED, and subject to the provisions of 5507A(2)(b).
   5. Public-Private Partnerships—any agreement or combination of agreements, pursuant to which at least one public entity and one private entity are parties, obligating a private entity to make an investment in site or infrastructure improvements in Louisiana, as approved by LED.
   6. Public Site—a site which a public entity owns.
   7. Regional Economic Development Organization—any of the following eight state organizations: the Baton Rouge Area Chamber; the Central Louisiana Economic Development Alliance; Greater New Orleans, Inc.; the Northeast Louisiana Economic Alliance; the North Louisiana Economic Partnership; One Acadiana; the South Louisiana Economic Council; the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance, or any of their successors. Abbreviated and also known as “REDO”.
   8. Secretary—secretary of Louisiana Economic Development.
   9. Site—immovable property, with or without improvements thereon, located in the state.

Authority Note

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 36:104 and R.S. 51:2316.

Historical Note

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by Louisiana Economic Development, Office of Economic Development, LR 52:234 (February 2026).