LIVINGSTON PARISH, LA (WAFB) -
While parts of America continue to struggle economically, Livingston
Parish is reporting serious growth. Parish leaders say Livingston had a
big 2012 and this year should be more of the same.
The Livingston Parish Economic Development Council
reports nearly 500 new
jobs for the parish in 2012. Out-going chairman Steve Stein says, for
example, several existing companies expanded like Our Lady of the Lake
Hospital while others just moved into Livingston. In addition, he hopes
to see spill over and connection with parishes like ascension which
benefits from being on the Mississippi River
"Livingston Parish
doesn't have the deep water port, but what we do have is rail and
interstate and available land. And so the companies that will support
those bigger companies up and down the river can locate here," said
Stein.
High on everyone's watch list is the Juban Crossing
project. Last week the state bond commission approved the sale of public
bonds that will be used for roads and other infrastructure at Juban
Crossing.
"Now with Juban Crossing so near as making some
announcements, wanting to get started, hoping to have first phase
completed 2014 which is an ambitious goal but they're intent on doing
that," said Parish President Layton Ricks.
Ricks cautions however, that with fast growth, there could be some growing pains for Livingston.
"You're
going to see the council and the administration work very hard and help
LEDC and the chamber in making sure that we grow responsibly...to make
sure we grow by still maintaining the lifestyle in Livingston Parish
that our residents, our long-term residents, are so accustomed to," said
Ricks.
Ricks says the rapid growth and new business won't come at the expense of the small businesses already in place.
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