Louisiana
Tax Foundation report ranks LA 2nd in US for new firms; 10th in US for mature firms
The Tax Foundation recently released a new 50-state analysis of business tax burdens in the U.S. that indicated Louisiana now ranks No. 2 (second-lowest state-and-local tax burden) in the U.S. for new firms and No. 10 for mature firms. Considering only Southern states, the Tax Foundation study ranks Louisiana No. 1 for new firms and No. 3 for mature firms. Full article.
Future VA Admin building renovations progressing
The Vernon Parish Police Jury recently indicated that renovations to the future home of the Veterans Administration offices are progressing. When renovations are complete, the Police Jury will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Full article.
Land conservation sign-up runs March 12 to April 6
The U.S. Dept of Agriculture’s Conservation Reserve Program sign-up runs March 12 to April 6. During that period, farmers can offer eligible land for the program through their local Farm Service Agency office. There are currently 325,069 acres enrolled in the conservation program. Full article.
Officials test readiness for emergency response
The LA Dept. of Health and Hospitals recently began a three-day exercise in Alexandria, New Orleans, and Baton Rouge that focused on each areas' abilities to receive and distribute medications in case of a major emergency such as an influenza pandemic, major weather event or terrorist attack. Full article.
Forum addresses use of waste material to fuel growth
A forum, recently held at LSU AgCenter facilities at LSUA, discussed the use of waste wood products for energy needs. Other topics covered included an update on state fire prevention efforts, groundwater issues and feral hog regulations. Full article.
Bicentennial program helps teach students LA heritage
Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne recently visited Buckeye Elementary School in Deville to showcase "200 Years in the Making: Bicentennial Desk Reference for Educators," a program to help Louisiana students learn about the "rich gumbo" of culture, character and history is a big part of what makes LA unique. Copies of the guide are being sent to every public school in the state, and are available to private schools. Full article.
Animal Planet TV show producers coming to Cenla
The Animal Planet’s TV show, Finding Bigfoot, will come to Cenla in late March to search for Bigfoot. Area residents with information about CENLA’s Bigfoot sightings are asked to call the show’s advanced field producer. Full information.
USDA Program recognizes two LA manufacturing firms
Representatives of two LA companies: -- Rogers Manufacturing (West Monroe) and Game Equipment (Napoleonville) are in Washington D.C. as part of a program to recognize rural manufacturers. Both manufacturers received assistance from the U.S. Dept of Agriculture's rural development office. Full article.
SPARC work on Bolton Avenue on horizon
Mayor Roy recently indicated that work on Bolton Avenue, which is part of Alexandria’s Special Planned Activity Redevelopment Corridors initiative (SPARC), will begin in less than two months. Work on Bolton includes demolition of neglected structures, preservation of historic properties, construction of a bus depot, new sidewalks and landscaping. Full article.
Grant will fund financial literacy program in Alexandria
Capital One Bank in Alexandria recently awarded a $15,000 grant to the Central LA chapter of Volunteers of America to fund a financial literacy program. The grant is part of Capital One’s Investing for Good program. Full article.
