Through the groundbreaking FastSites Program, Louisiana is eliminating the traditional barriers to site development, reducing risk, cutting costs, and fast-tracking timelines to get projects off the ground quicker. With a powerful combination of state investment and strategic planning, Louisiana is positioning itself to be the easiest and most efficient place to build, expand, and thrive.
Backed by the $150 million Site Investment and Infrastructure Improvement Fund (created by Act 365 of the 2025 Regular Legislative Session), FastSites is designed to deliver development ready, infrastructure-prepped sites that meet the speed and scale businesses demand.
The state is not just prepared for growth, Louisiana is accelerating it.
LED will host a webinar on Monday, October 27, at 2:00 p.m. Registration is available in advance here. After registering, attendees will receive a confirmation email with details about joining the meeting.
FastSites
How FastSites Works
The FastSites Program uses state funding to improve land and sites that can bring big benefits to local regions. The goal is to create more market-ready sites, places where businesses can build and grow quickly.
The program focuses on long-term success by working with both public and private partners to maintain/sustain the fund for years to come.
Smart and Flexible
FastSites is built to make smart decisions about how state money is used. Every group that applies for funding must:
- Show matching funds (money they’re also putting into the project)
- Use the funds quickly
- Explain how their project will benefit the state
Construction activities must start within 9 months, based on an agreed timeline between the state and the applicant.
How Funding is Given
FastSites uses a competitive process to pick the most impactful projects. Funding can be given in different ways, depending on the site and project:
- As a loan (which may be forgiven if goals are met)
- As a partnership with the state, where both sides invest
- As an ownership deal for key infrastructure, if needed
This flexible approach helps make sure each project gets the support it needs, while helping maintain the improvement fund for years to come.
Who Can Apply
The FastSites Program is open to:
- Local or regional economic development groups
- Cities and towns
- Non-profits
- Redevelopment authorities
- Other public groups (e.g.parishes or districts)
Note: Privately owned sites are eligible for funding if they meet certain requirements (e.g. owner commits to marketing the site for economic development projects, meeting the requirements of Article VII, Section 14 of the Constitution of Louisiana)
What FastSites Funding Can Be Used For
FastSites funding can be used to prepare land and improve access to it. Some examples include:
| What You Can Do | Examples |
| Road Improvements | New access roads, right-of-way setup |
| Land & Property Improvements | Drainage, clearing trees, filling wetlands, tearing down old buildings |
| Utilities | Adding or moving water, power, gas, sewer, internet |
| Rail Access | Building or fixing rail spurs, crossings, and connections |
| Site Optioning | Buying land or securing an option to buy |
What FastSites Cannot be used For
FastSites funds cannot be used for:
- Consultant, legal, or finance fees
- Site marketing
- Movable equipment (e.g. trailers or machines)
- Basic site maintenance (e.g. mowing)
- Projects not meant for economic development
- Costs paid before the project was approved
Public vs. Private Sites
Publicly owned or optioned land is more competitive for funding.
Privately owned land can qualify, but only if:
- The landowner agrees to promote the site for economic development
- The project meets Louisiana state rules
Extra rules for private land projects:
- No loan forgiveness
- Higher funding match
- May have to pay interest during construction
Match Requirements
Applicants must match part of the funding. The amount depends on the project type and ranges from 50% to 80%.
Matching funds can be:
- Cash (local, state, federal, or private money)
- In-kind (such as donated labor or services)
- Or a mix of both
- Additional LED funds may not be used for match funding
Proving Return on Investment (ROI)
Each project must show a clear benefit to the state.
This helps keep the FastSites fund strong for future projects.
Examples:
Example 1: Demolition or Clearing
The state funds the demolition of an old building. Once the land is redeveloped and leased, the state receives a dollar amount per square foot of leased space until the initial investment is fully repaid.
Example 2: Railroad Spur Investment
The state invests in building a railroad spur to a site that will attract industry. The state earns a fixed dollar amount for every railcar that uses the spur until the investment amount is recovered.
Example 3: Business Park Utility Upgrades
The state invests in upgrading utilities (water, electricity, internet) at a business park to attract companies. As new businesses move in, the state receives a fixed fee per business annually until the investment is paid back.
Application Checklist
A complete application includes:
- Name and contact info
- A project description and timeline (must deploy funds within 9 months)
- A detailed budget
- Proof of funding match
- A clear explanation of how the project provides a defined help to the state (ROI)
- Information on any public-private partnerships involved
- Letters of support from:
- Regional Economic Development Organization
- State House Representative
- State Senator
- A $250 advanced fee is due upon submission, awarded applicants will then be asked to pay LED’s standard .005% application fee (up to $15,000).
Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Applicants with incomplete applications will be notified by Louisiana Economic Development.
How Projects Are Chosen
Projects are chosen through an evaluation process that includes the following factors:
- Demonstrated market demand in priority sectors
- Performance Measures
- Return on Investment
- Impact on Distressed Communities
- Public benefit and economic impact
- Site potential
Other factors may include:
- Strategic location
- Site quality and future growth potential
- Due diligence completed
- Total development cost
- Private sector involvement or partnerships
*Sites with Certified Site Status or public-private partnerships receive priority.
Award Amounts
- Minimum award: $1 million
- Maximum award: $25 million
Funding can come in the form of:
- Loans
- A mix of both
- Public-private partnerships
Terms and conditions will be laid out in a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for each project.
Program Statutes & Rules
Program rules are in the Louisiana Administrative Code, maintained by the Office of the State Register.
View the FastSites Program Statute.
View the FastSites Program Emergency Rules (Oct. 20)
FAQs
Eligibility
Who is eligible to apply for FastSites?
Eligible applicants must be a public serving entity such as Local or Regional Economic Development Organizations (EDOs), Municipalities, Nonprofits, Redevelopment Authorities, or Political Subdivisions.
Both public and private sites are eligible to receive FastSites funding. However, privately-owned sites will be subject to additional eligibility requirements.
What additional eligibility requirements will privately-owned sites be subject to?
Applications for privately-owned sites may be subject to the following eligibility requirements:
- Applicants may be subject to higher fund matching requirements.
- Applicants will be ineligible for loan forgiveness.
- When applicable, applicants will be required to submit a higher loan commitment fee.
What are eligible activities that FastSites funds can be used for?
FastSites funds can be used for physical improvements or infrastructure investment on the site, including but not limited to utility extensions, rail access, road access, remediation, wetland mitigation, demolition, expansion, or land acquisition.
Does a specific company have to be associated with a site?
No, an application can be submitted without a specific company in mind.
Can an applicant receive FastSites funding while participating in other LED incentive program(s)?
Applicants are not explicitly prohibited from receiving FastSites funding while participating in another LED incentive program(s). However, applicants are required to declare all public funds on their application and they may not utilize LED funds to match funding for a FastSites project.
Can an existing private entity apply for FastSite funds?
Private entities must have a qualifying applicant (e.g. public serving entity) apply on their behalf. Applications submitted by qualifying applicants on behalf of a private entity will be subject to the same competitive review process.
Program Overview
How is this different than the Louisiana Competes (LACRED) program?
FastSites is a fund focused on investment and infrastructure improvement. Funding rewards will range from $1M to $25M. FastSites fund recipients will enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the State outlining a return back to the fund.
Unlike Louisiana Competes (LACRED), enacted under Act 556 of the 2022 Regular Legislative Session, FastSites funds will not be earmarked by region, though geographic dispersion of funds will be consideration factor during the FastSites application review process.
How do dollars get returned to the fund?
An applicant’s return to the fund will be agreed to and outlined in their signed CEA. Return options include loan repayment, future lease payment, a per use fee, etc.
Fee and Match Requirements
Will there be a fee to apply for FastSites funding?
A $250 advanced fee is due upon submission, awarded applicants will then be asked to pay LED’s standard .005% application fee (up to $15,000).
Will applicants be required to provide match funding toward project costs?
Yes, the applicant is expected to contribute between 50% and 80% of total project costs. Additionally, the applicant must declare the source of their matched funds on the application. Other sources of LED funding cannot be used toward an applicant’s project contribution. Costs incurred prior to approval of an award are not eligible for reimbursement and cannot be utilized for match funding.
Selection Process
What are the selection criteria?
FastSites is a discretionary program with application cycles. Submitted applications may be reviewed by third parties to ensure the best use of funds and the creation of nationally competitive sites.
Applications and recommendations will also be reviewed by both an internal review committee and third party reviewers prior to final determination of fund recipients. The internal review committee will take into account the following factors when reviewing applications:
- Demonstrated market demand in priority sectors
- Performance measures
- Return on investment
- Impact on distressed communities
- Public benefit and economic impact
- Site potential
- Leveraging public-private partnerships, private equity, or other resources
- The specific and critical needs for high-potential projects
- Louisiana Economic Development Certified Site status
Additional factors such as proposed community impact, geographic dispersion of funds, and holistic support of key stakeholders (i.e. REDOs, state legislators, etc.) will be taken into consideration when determining the overall potential impact.
Application and Timeline
How do I submit an application?
The application can be found and downloaded from LA FastSite website beginning October 30. Once the application is complete, all required documentation must be emailed to FastStart@la.gov. Applicants will then receive email receipt confirmation with an Application ID number from FastStart@la.gov. The provided Application ID will be included in the email subject of future communication pertaining to the status of the application.
What documentation is required for the application process?
In addition to the completed program application, applicants will be required to provide the following documentation:
- Site location
- Project budget
- Project timeline
- Matched fund documentation
- Letters of support
- Applicable due diligence studies
Will funds need to be spent within a certain timeframe?
Proposed economic development projects shall begin construction activities within nine (9) months of Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) execution, or as otherwise approved by LED.
In what manner will FastSites recipients receive their funding?
LED will disburse FastSites funding to recipients on the reimbursement schedule outlined in the CEA.
When will LED announce FastSites funding recipients?
The first round of FastSites funding will be announced in early 2026.
Certified Sites
When it comes time to find the best location for your operation, Louisiana has an extensive selection of development-ready sites searchable in its Sites and Buildings Database.
Questions?
For additional questions, please contact Landon Lemoine, Director of Strategic Investments at Landon.Lemoine@la.gov.