The Louisiana FastSites program

The Louisiana FastSites program is a statewide initiative aimed at accelerating site development for economic growth by reducing traditional barriers such as infrastructure limitations, permitting delays, and site readiness. Funded through the $150 million Site Investment and Infrastructure Improvement Fund established by Act 365 of the 2025 Louisiana Regular Legislative Session, FastSites is administered by Louisiana Economic Development (LED). It seeks to prepare infrastructure-ready sites to attract new businesses and support expansions across Louisiana, making the state more competitive for investment. The program provides flexible funding mechanisms to public-serving entities, including cities, towns, redevelopment authorities, non-profits, and economic development organizations. Private landowners can also qualify through a sponsoring public entity, subject to additional requirements. Funding can be offered as loans (with possible forgiveness if performance benchmarks are met), public-private investment partnerships, or state infrastructure ownership deals. Construction must begin within nine months of Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) execution, and all funding is tied to the site's potential return on investment to the state. Eligible uses of FastSites funding include road construction, drainage improvements, utility extensions, demolition, land acquisition or optioning, and rail access enhancements. Ineligible uses include legal or consultant fees, movable equipment, site marketing, or costs incurred prior to project approval. Sites with existing certifications or public ownership are considered more competitive, and private sites must meet stricter cost-sharing and repayment conditions, including no loan forgiveness. Applicants are required to match between 50% and 80% of the funding request. Match sources may include local, state, federal, or private cash contributions and in-kind services, but other LED funds cannot be used for the match. A $250 advance application fee is required upon submission, with a follow-up application fee of 0.005% of the awarded amount, capped at $15,000. A complete application must include a detailed budget, project timeline, letters of support from state legislators and regional EDOs, and evidence of matched funding. Applications will be reviewed competitively, with priority given to sites showing market demand, strategic location, potential for public benefit, and alignment with distressed community revitalization. An internal LED review committee, along with third-party evaluators, will score proposals based on ROI, readiness, and alignment with priority sectors. Funding awards will be announced in Q1 2026. The application portal opens on October 30, 2025, and closes December 15, 2025. Questions and submissions should be directed to FastStart@la.gov. More information, including the full program rules, can be found on the Louisiana FastSites website.

Publicly owned or optioned sites are more competitive. Prioritize readiness and economic benefit to the state. Private land projects face stricter conditions and must offer clear ROI.