FastSites Expands Industrial Capacity at Central Louisiana Port and Natchitoches Parish Port

ALEXANDRIA & CAMPTI, La. – Louisiana Economic Development has finalized more than $4.5 million in FastSites investments at two Louisiana ports, expanding manufacturing, warehousing and logistics capacity to support existing businesses and strengthen the state’s ability to attract future industrial investment.

“Louisiana’s ports have always been a powerful part of how our state grows, connecting businesses, communities and industries to opportunity,” LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said. “As companies expand and supply chains evolve, the ability to move quickly and add capacity becomes increasingly important. These investments strengthen the infrastructure that keeps our businesses growing while giving Louisiana more of what it needs to compete for the next generation of industrial investment.”

The state’s investment includes $2.55 million for the Natchitoches Parish Port to expand warehouse capacity for manufacturing, storage and logistics operations, as well as nearly $2 million for the Central Louisiana Regional Port to construct a 10-acre heavy-load hardstand supporting the continued expansion of DisTran Packaged Substations. Together, the projects will add industrial capacity at two of Louisiana’s key multimodal assets while supporting both current operations and future business recruitment.

The Louisiana Legislature recently appropriated an additional $50 million to FastSites, bringing the Site Investment and Infrastructure Improvement Fund to $200 million. The program’s next application round opens October 1, giving communities and site owners another opportunity to advance infrastructure and site-readiness projects across Louisiana.

“We’re proud to build on the success of the first round of FastSites as we prepare to open the next round of applications next week,” Louisiana State Rep. Daryl Deshotel said. “From the beginning, this program has been focused on moving quickly, from investment to construction, to meet the demands of business. The progress we are seeing now is a strong example of that vision becoming reality.”

As part of FastSites’ revolving investment model, the more than $4.5 million invested across the two port projects will be fully repaid by the respective FastSites partners, allowing the state to reinvest those funds into future site and infrastructure projects across Louisiana.

“Our ports are already doing the work of supporting manufacturers, moving products and creating economic activity across Louisiana,” Louisiana State Sen. Jay Luneau said. “These investments build on that foundation by giving both ports more capacity to serve growing businesses and pursue the next generation of industrial opportunity.”

Project Details By Location

Located in Alexandria, the Central Louisiana Regional Port is developing a 71.8-acre industrial manufacturing and logistics campus to support the continued growth of DisTran Packaged Substations. The nearly $2 million FastSites investment will support construction of a 10-acre heavy-load hardstand within the broader development, which includes manufacturing and warehouse facilities as well as heavy-duty outdoor storage and staging areas. The hardstand will provide dedicated space to receive, store and stage raw materials and finished products, adding capacity as DisTran’s manufacturing operations expand.

FastSites-funded improvements are already underway and progressing ahead of schedule. By mid-August, more than half of the 10-acre heavy-load hardstand had been completed, with finished portions already in use to provide additional storage and staging capacity. The remaining improvements are anticipated to be completed by Nov. 1.

“The real value of the FastSites Program for Louisiana’s public ports is that it provides the speed and flexibility necessary to respond to industry when opportunities arise,” Central Louisiana Regional Port Executive Director Ben Russo said. “Louisiana’s Port Priority Program is an extremely important source of infrastructure investment, but the backlog of approved projects can mean that funding is not available on the timeline required by private industry. FastSites helps bridge that timing gap by providing reimbursable capital that allows ports to advance approved projects and meet the immediate needs of their industrial partners rather than risk delaying—or potentially losing—an economic development opportunity.”

“This investment reflects what’s possible when state and local partners work together to strengthen Central Louisiana’s transportation infrastructure,” Louisiana Central President and CEO Chris Masingill said “Our ports are critical assets for supporting existing industries, attracting new business, and creating opportunities across our 10-parish region. By investing in capacity today, we’re helping position Central Louisiana for continued growth and long-term economic success.”

Located in Campti, the Natchitoches Parish Port currently has approximately 62,000 square feet of warehouse capacity and access to the Red River, CPKC Railway and highway transportation. The $2.55 million FastSites investment will support site grading and construction of additional warehouse space, including the foundation and slab. The project will nearly double the port’s existing warehouse capacity and create more room for manufacturing, storage, fabrication and cargo-handling operations.

The Natchitoches Parish Port project is anticipated to begin toward the end of 2026, with completion expected in 2027.

“This FastSites investment is a tremendous opportunity for the Natchitoches Parish Port and for our region,” Natchitoches Parish Port Executive Director Travis Tyler said. “Working closely with the State of Louisiana through FastSites allows us to increase our warehouse capacity and be better positioned to respond when new companies and investment opportunities come our way. By adding this capacity, we can create more opportunities to attract manufacturers and industrial tenants, support business growth and ultimately create quality jobs in Natchitoches Parish. This is exactly what economic development is about: working together with the state to prepare today for the opportunities of tomorrow.”

“Strong infrastructure gives our communities a better chance to compete when new investment is on the table,” Louisiana State Rep. Jack McFarland said. “Expanding warehouse capacity at the Natchitoches Parish Port gives businesses more room to grow while strengthening an important industrial asset for Natchitoches Parish and the broader region.”

“These types of investments are about preparing our region for growth. Expanding capacity at the Natchitoches Parish Port will support existing industry, create new opportunities for business development, and reinforce our position as a hub for manufacturing, logistics and commerce,” President and CEO of North Louisiana Economic Partnership Justyn Dixon said.

About FastSites
FastSites is a Louisiana Economic Development initiative designed to transform land and existing infrastructure into project-ready sites that position Louisiana to compete for new economic development opportunities. Backed by the $150 million Site Investment and Infrastructure Fund created by Act 365 of the 2025 Regular Legislative Session, FastSites supports proactive site development by investing in infrastructure, due diligence and other readiness activities that reduce time, risk and cost for future projects. Learn more at: OpportunityLouisiana.com/fastsites.

About LED
Louisiana Economic Development is responsible for driving capital investment, job creation and economic opportunity for the people of Louisiana and employers of all sizes. Explore how LED is positioning Louisiana to win at OpportunityLouisiana.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Ben Russo, Central Louisiana Regional Port Executive Director
brusso@clrport.com
318.473.1848

Travis Tyler, Natchitoches Parish Port Executive Director
nat-port@cp-tel.net
318.356.9689