With the tightening of federal funding for site readiness and infrastructure, Louisiana is establishing a $150 million state initiative called FastSites seeking to prepare land, utilities and access for redevelopment and future business investment.
State leaders anticipate the program will eliminate the drag that comes with the normal site-selection process and target faster project startups. By pre-clearing sites and offering flexible funding for public and private partners they hope to cut sufficient time and frustration from pre-construction to encourage investment in Louisiana over any of its Gulf states competitors.
The initiative is backed by a $150 million fund created through Act 365 of the 2025 legislative session. It is designed to turn under-developed land and existing infrastructure into sites that are ready for business investment. Projects must begin construction within nine months of approval and must demonstrate a clear return on investment. Applicants are required to contribute matching funds to the total project costs.
Eligible applicants include public entities such as municipalities, economic-development organizations, redevelopment authorities and other political subdivisions. Privately owned sites may also qualify with stricter terms for cost sharing and repayment. These sites must also be marketed for economic development. Awards will be up to $25 million per project.
FastSites funding can be used for physical site-preparation and infrastructure improvements such as constructing new access roads, clearing or filling land, drainage work, relocating or installing utilities, improving rail access such as adding spurs or crossings, and purchasing or securing options on land. Funds cannot be used for consultant or legal fees, site-marketing activities, movable equipment, basic maintenance, costs incurred before approval or projects not tied to economic development.
The application window opens Oct. 30 and closes Dec. 15, 2025, followed by a review period with awards expected in the first quarter of 2026. Applicants must begin construction activities within nine months of securing an agreement.
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