BY GEORGE SWIFT • PRESIDENT/CEO, SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE
Our region continues to be recognized for the unprecedented amount of industrial projects coming to it. The figures vary, but we are confident that $65 billion dollars in projects will take place.
The year 2014 will continue to see the announced projects working toward permitting and construction. This is the year before the huge impact begins to happen.
Two comprehensive studies are underway to determine the regional impact of this abundance of industrial expansion on the region, and, scientifically, to forecast the various types of housing needed during and after this expansion.
Ongoing efforts by the SWLA Economic Development Alliance are targeted at encouraging local residents to get the necessary training so that our Louisiana folks can fill these jobs. The new $20 million workforce training facility at Sowela will get under construction.
However, with all of the workers we can provide, there will be a need for additional skilled workers from around our nation and the world. We have at least one worker village underway, and more will be needed to handle the temporary workers. These types of developments provide well-managed temporary housing and services for the transient workers.
The benefits to our community will include organized expansion of temporary housing to avoid overbuilding and less traffic on local roads and highways as these workers commute to and from work via buses.
Dozens of developers, many from our area, are planning and building single- and multi-family housing to accommodate the permanent workers and their families. Those permanent workers are beginning to arrive for management and for the construction phase. But the large influx of permanent workers will be 2-3 years into the future.
The Alliance is working to create a consensus vision of what we want our region to be like in 2040. Preparing for the future generations, and having quality of life amenities, such as parks, recreational opportunities, and nightlife, will add to our region’s appeal to the younger generation. Lakefront development will begin.
The Golden Nugget Casino, next to L’Auberge, will open later this year. Along with Coushatta Casino Resort, Delta Downs and Isle of Capri, this new top quality facility will further position our region to become a preferred Gulf Coast destination not only for gaming but also for conferences, entertainment, family reunions and many similar events.
The SWLA Convention & Visitors Bureau has been extremely successful in attracting many sporting events to our region. The newly improved Burton Coliseum is now a venue that will host a variety of these events. The West Cal Arena expansion will open this summer, and will provide another major venue for local and regional events.
The challenge ahead for us is to avoid complacency and the mindset that our area is in good shape. The opportunities these industrial projects provide us include new and high-paying jobs. We can provide jobs for our children and grandchildren. There are needs for all professions — especially medical, aviation, trades and crafts, petrochemical, engineering, hospitality, culinary, technology and traditional professional services, such as accounting and finance. Sales jobs will be lucrative, whether they be in automobile, insurance or other areas.
The challenge is for those needing jobs to pick a career path and get education and training now.
To keep all these projects moving ahead will take strong efforts by our economic development staff at the Alliance; the educational institutions — especially Sowela and McNeese; and our elected officials, who will have to make the tough decisions that will insure we have orderly zoning and growth.
One way citizens can help is by voting for the new sewerage plan for the unincorporated areas of Calcasieu. This will provide a much-needed backbone sewer system that will ensure healthy growth to protect our families and the waterways we use. It will also promote orderly growth for commercial and residential purposes in the developing parts of the parish.
Yes, all of us have a role to play. It may just be keeping a positive attitude and realizing that our communities will change. We want those changes to be for the best and for long-term, high quality living. We have a great region and a good quality of life. However, with a 20-percent poverty rate, there are many who need new opportunities.
You can be a mentor to, and encourage, a friend, family member, or neighbor who needs help in getting skills, training and applying for a job.
With continued unity in our region, 2014 will be a year that will launch many years of prosperity.
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