1. A. Funding may be available for site investment and infrastructure improvement projects with demonstrated economic development purposes as follows:

   1. 1. Applicants

      1. a. Applications may be submitted by local or regional economic development organizations, municipalities, non-profit organizations, redevelopment authorities or political subdivisions and such organizations shall be considered qualified applicants.
      2. b. Public-private partnerships or other quasi-private entities may be considered qualified applicants at the discretion of the secretary.

   2. 2. Project Location

      1. a. Projects may be located on either public or privately owned lands, however, projects located on privately owned lands may be subject to additional restrictions or requirements such as higher match percentages or higher loan commitment fees, and
      2. b. Reimbursement of funds expended on private or other property is contingent upon written evidence being provided to LED that such development costs are allowable under Article VII, Section 14 of the Constitution and any other applicable state law. Such evidence may include but not be limited to a final judicial determination from a court of competent jurisdiction.

   3. 3. Project Timeline

      1. a. As a general rule, funds shall be obligated and projects shall begin construction within nine months of the fully executed contract. However, LED will evaluate the readiness of each project and memorialize all applicable construction deadlines and project milestones in a contract between all appropriate parties.

   4. 4. Construction Components

      1. a. Eligible project costs may include but not be limited to the following expenses:

         1. i. rail or road access;
         2. ii. utility extensions;
         3. iii. wetland mitigation;
         4. iv. demolition;
         5. v. expansion;
         6. vi. remediation;
         7. vii. land purchases.

      2. b. Unless otherwise approved by the secretary, ineligible project costs may include but not be limited to:

         1. i. consulting fees;
         2. ii. legal or financial service fees;
         3. iii. marketing of site;
         4. iv. moveable equipment;
         5. v. routine site maintenance;
         6. vi. any expenses occurring outside of the approved construction period.

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 52:235 (February 2026).