AGP Executive Report

Disaster Resilience Funding: FEMA announced more than $16.1M in pre-disaster mitigation money for Louisiana projects, including drainage work on I-20 South Frontage Road in Ouachita Parish and backup generators and water support via DHS and Emergency Management. Public Health: Louisiana health officials are investigating a raw milk cluster: 11 illnesses and 2 hospitalizations linked to campylobacteriosis and cryptosporidiosis, tied to three milking operations; raw milk is legal only for animal or pet use. Local Utilities: Natchitoches City Council moved to loosen mandatory annual utility rate hikes by capping increases at “do not exceed” CPI for electric base rates, and expanding the approach to water and sewer base rates. Infrastructure & Roads: DOTD set a one-night westbound closure on LA 3132 in Shreveport (June 28) for overhead signage truss installation, with detours via LA 511 to I-20. Port & Logistics Leadership: PortMiami named Jonathan Daniels—formerly Maryland Port Administration executive director and Port of Baltimore leader—as its new CEO, signaling continued focus on cargo and cruise growth. Energy & Industry: Aclara Resources secured final environmental approval for its Penco rare-earths project in Chile, with plans that connect to a broader mine-to-magnet supply chain that includes Louisiana.

Tulane’s Charity Hospital comeback: Tulane signed a purchase-and-sale agreement to become lead developer of the former Charity Hospital building in downtown New Orleans, shifting from tenant to owner. The $500M plan targets a bioscience, medical research, education and innovation hub with 650,000+ sq. ft., aiming for construction to start this fall and finish in 2029, with projections of $1.2B in economic impact and thousands of jobs. Industrial waste oversight: Louisiana is taking public comment on a Bossier Parish expansion of a nonhazardous industrial waste disposal facility near Taylortown, with a hearing/comment deadline of July 23. Food safety in agriculture: LDH reported 11 Louisiana illnesses and two hospitalizations tied to raw milk consumption, with an investigation still active. Energy + infrastructure: Louisiana DOTD marked completion of the $128M I-20 Major Rehabilitation Project in Bossier and Caddo, including major lane and interchange rebuilds. Workforce + farming policy: Louisiana crawfish farmers are backing the proposed CRAW Act to reclassify crawfish processing for more flexible H-2A labor access. Tax incentives scrutiny: Louisiana’s revenue department says it can’t estimate future costs of a data center tax incentive, even as it projects large sales tax losses. SNAP limits blocked: A federal judge struck down state SNAP “unhealthy food” restrictions, saying USDA lacked authority to approve them.

Environmental Justice & Industry: Sierra Club is pressing Louisiana’s LDEQ to redo the environmental justice review for Hyundai Steel’s proposed facility in Donaldsonville after the company removed parts of an earlier EJ analysis, arguing the revised permit still misses issues like toxic dust safeguards and additional emissions cuts. Energy & Infrastructure: Louisiana’s DOTD marked completion of major I-20 rehabilitation in Shreveport-Bossier, while separate coverage flags ongoing state land energy leasing pressures hitting parish budgets. Workforce & Training: UL Lafayette shut down the Cecil J. Picard Center for Child Development and the Marine Survival Training Center as part of a restructuring effort, cutting staff and shifting research programs. Hospital Expansion: Ochsner Children’s announced growth in pediatric cardiology and heart surgery, adding specialized physicians and expanding its pediatric cardiac intensive care unit. Local Business & Construction Impacts: New Orleans plans a grant program to help French Quarter businesses hurt by Decatur Street construction, with reported month-to-month sales drops. Agriculture: Louisiana crawfish farmers are pushing for the CRAW Act to address worker shortages that hurt the 2026 season. Policy Watch: Louisiana’s new laws take effect Aug. 1, including a statewide ban on releasing helium balloons outdoors and new rules around public camping.

I-20 Upgrade in Northwest Louisiana: State and local leaders marked completion of the $128 million Interstate 20 rehabilitation in Caddo and Bossier parishes, rebuilding about 3.5 miles with new lanes and ramps, Red River concrete repairs, drainage work, updated lighting and signage, and safety upgrades like barrier walls and glare screens. Crawfish Workforce Pressure: Louisiana lawmakers’ push to stabilize crawfish processing hinges on H-2B visa limits that left peeling plants short-staffed, threatening sales of smaller “peeler” crawfish and raising the risk of more imported seafood. Farm Bureau Leadership: Richard Fontenot was reelected to a third one-year term as Louisiana Farm Bureau president, keeping the group’s major policy influence centered on the state’s $13 billion agriculture economy. New Orleans Seafood Compliance: Gov. Jeff Landry signed a stricter seafood-tracking law for restaurants, with steep fines starting Aug. 1 for menu mislabeling or mixing imported and local seafood. Shreveport Entertainment Buildout: Rapper 50 Cent’s G-Dome plans are moving forward in downtown Shreveport, with early site work including a public park and next steps tied to state fire approval. Aviation Rule Change: Louisiana signed an ADS-B billing ban limiting how pilots can be charged using ADS-B data for certain aircraft operations. Texas Bee Crash Spillover: A semitrailer carrying roughly 400 hives tipped over near the Louisiana border, prompting emergency road shutdowns and a scramble by beekeepers to salvage what they could. Gulf Seafood Research Push: Mississippi State University and partners were selected to help lead a national NOAA aquaculture effort aimed at expanding U.S. seafood production. Louisiana Economic Development Staff Shift: New Orleans deputy mayor for economic development Jenny Mains is leaving the role to focus on international partnerships and growth as the city reshuffles leadership.

LNG Expansion: Cheniere’s Sabine Pass LNG is set to add three more trains, with Cameron Parish officials backing the project at a Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality hearing and operator updates on ongoing monitoring. Energy Costs & Regulation: A Louisiana letter-to-the-editor debate pushes back on claims that rising power bills are “working,” arguing for targeted reforms like competitive procurement and better transmission planning to slow costs for families and industry. Maritime Trade Risk: A new look at global chokepoints highlights how disruptions—especially around the Strait of Hormuz—can ripple into energy prices and manufacturing impacts that reach Louisiana consumers. Industrial Growth Signals: Treaty Oak Clean Energy’s first operational solar field in Arkansas points to more projects planned across Arkansas, Louisiana and the South, while Arkansas steel expansion continues to build out supply chains tied to major plants. Local Business & Infrastructure: Jefferson Parish and the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District are in preliminary talks with a soccer team to take over the Shrine on Airline after a nearly $30 million renovation. Public Safety/Compliance: The FDA flagged a Great Value bread recall tied to contamination on packaging surfaces distributed across 26 states.

AI & Public Safety: A Louisiana man already jailed in Chauvin faces 22 new felony charges after state agents linked him to producing and distributing AI-generated child sexual abuse material. Workforce & Tech Infrastructure: Meta’s own CTO says worker morale at the company is at a historic low as the firm’s AI-driven data center buildout in Louisiana and elsewhere reshapes jobs and workloads. Health & Drug Monitoring: Cities are testing wastewater for illicit drugs, including efforts tied to New Orleans events, aiming to flag outbreaks earlier and help responders act faster. Energy Resilience: Federal regulators are eyeing data center grid costs in Louisiana as extreme weather and power-transfer limits raise pressure on the electric system. Coastal Restoration: A Tulane study finds mangroves are rebounding globally, with Louisiana potentially benefiting as coastal protection and erosion control become bigger priorities. Port & Logistics: West Calcasieu Port expands with 172 acres and a new office building in a $5.1M project, signaling continued growth in the region’s shipping footprint. Agriculture & Food Tech: An indoor aquaponics farm in Harvey is producing local lettuce and “farming farmers,” with plans for expansion and school partnerships. Local Industry Watch: Subcontain is pitching a semi-underground waste system to Baton Rouge as a cleaner alternative to traditional dumpsters. Disaster Response: Red Cross opened an Opelousas shelter as flood threats grow in St. Landry Parish.

Central Louisiana Flood Response: The Red Cross opened an emergency shelter in Opelousas at the Yambilee Building as St. Landry Parish braces for rising floodwaters, with officials warning that heavy rain in nearby Avoyelles could push water into northern parts of the parish. Port and Infrastructure Pressure in New Orleans: Decatur Street businesses pressed city officials over long-running Sewerage & Water Board construction that’s been tearing up Lower Decatur for months, hurting foot traffic and sales during peak tourism periods. Energy and Travel Costs: AAA says the national average gas price slipped below $4 as summer travel ramps up, with crude and demand trends cited as drivers. Louisiana Entertainment Investment: In Shreveport, 50 Cent broke ground on the $124 million G-Dome and related studio upgrades, pitching a major downtown transformation and job creation. Workforce and AI Data Centers: Meta is rolling out a $115 million training push for AI-infrastructure trade jobs, as communities weigh the power and water demands of the data center boom. Agriculture Spotlight: Baton Rouge’s Red Stick Farmers Market is running a summer “Fresh Fest” series featuring rotating local products, tastings, and cooking demos.

Port of Iberia Expansion: West Calcasieu Port added 172 acres and a new $5.1M office building as part of a broader growth push, signaling continued investment in Louisiana logistics. AI Data Center Workforce & Power Stress: Meta is putting $115M into its America’s Workforce Academy to train skilled trades for AI data-center builds, while coverage flags rising community concerns over electricity and water demands as El Niño could worsen drought risk. Local Agriculture Spotlight: Baton Rouge’s Red Stick Farmers Market is rolling out a summer “Fresh Fest” series with weekly themes and cooking demos featuring local produce. Retail Growth Watch: Dollar General plans about 450 new stores in 2026, leaning into small towns and rural areas where competition is thinner. Weather & Flood Readiness: Tropical Storm Arthur’s aftermath continues to drive flood warnings and volatile conditions across the Gulf Coast, with more rain possible into Monday. Education/Industry Pipeline: Louisiana’s workforce needs stay in focus as national reporting highlights skilled-trades shortages tied to construction and energy infrastructure demand.

Port Expansion: West Calcasieu Port is adding 172 acres plus a new 4,000-square-foot tenant office building in a $5.1M expansion aimed at giving local industry more space for barge “just-in-time” staging. Grid & Data Centers: Federal regulators are pressing Louisiana’s MISO to revisit rules for big power users after Meta’s Richland Parish data center raised concerns that regular customers could be stuck with higher costs. Workforce Pipeline: Louisiana’s skills gap is back in focus as national reporting highlights looming shortages in trades like electricians, HVAC, plumbing, and welding—jobs that also underpin construction and energy growth. Storm Aftermath & Insurance: Tropical Storm Arthur’s flooding is driving claims across southeast Louisiana, and homeowners are warning about “named-storm” deductibles that can raise out-of-pocket costs. Local Land-Use Fight: Residents and community groups are asking a federal court to block St. James Parish industrial rezoning they say would expand heavy industry into a historic majority-Black community. Flood Preparedness: St. Landry Parish is preparing for possible major flooding as upstream water moves into local waterways, with evacuation planning under review.

LNG Deal: Venture Global executed new 5-year LNG supply agreements totaling about 0.82 MMtpa to Germany’s EnBW, adding to an existing 20-year, 2 MMtpa contract tied to Plaquemines LNG in Louisiana. Energy & Infrastructure: Regulators approved another extension of Magnolia Water Utility’s rate plan but ordered a new audit into billing, customer service, and acquisition practices after complaints of steep bills and service issues in St. Tammany. Workforce & Tech: A national push for “AI fluency” is framed as a survival skill for data-entry and other computer-based roles, with Louisiana’s business community likely to feel the pressure as AI tools spread. Agriculture: Louisiana Farm Bureau named Vermilion Parish farmer Laura Hebert its top farmer, spotlighting rice, sugarcane, and crawfish operations ahead of the national competition. Public Safety: Tropical Storm Arthur’s Gulf impacts are pegged at $4–6B in total damage and economic loss, with Louisiana among the hardest hit. Local Business: Lafayette’s vacant storefronts are filling fast, with new concepts moving into long-closed spaces.

Gulf Coast Flooding: Tropical Storm Arthur is gone, but its “ghost” moisture is still driving a deadly, weeklong flood threat. A rare Level 4 high-risk rainfall outlook has been issued for parts of Louisiana and the broader Gulf region, with flash-flood concerns lingering as communities assess damage. Energy & Shipping: JERA has signed charters with MOL and NYK for four Louisiana-produced ammonia carriers aimed at Japan power generation by 2029, a sign of Louisiana’s growing role in low-carbon fuel supply chains. Manufacturing: Hydro will close two aluminum extrusion plants—one in Delhi, Louisiana and one in California—next year, affecting about 350 jobs total as production shifts to other North American sites. Legal/Policy: Louisiana is asking the 5th Circuit to lift a block on its social media age-verification law for minors, setting up another fight over child online protections. Weather Watch: Local forecasts keep an eye on additional heavy rain and flash flooding risk across southeast Louisiana and south Mississippi. Port/Logistics: Port of Iberia expansion is bringing 137 jobs tied to a $6.1M project, reinforcing Louisiana’s push to grow maritime employment.

LNG & Energy Infrastructure: A new look at the U.S. LNG boom says North America’s export capacity is set to more than double in three years, with Louisiana projects like Venture Global’s CP2 tied to tens of billions in terminal spending and major Gulf Coast pipeline and tanker buildouts. Power & Data Centers: FERC ordered grid operators to fast-track data center interconnections, but Louisiana regulators are also weighing new generation costs—Entergy Louisiana’s proposed $1.8B gas plant purchase drew PSC consultant pushback, with the plan’s need linked heavily to Meta’s Richland Parish data center. Grid Reliability & Renewables: Calcasieu’s solar farm cleared local approval for a 200 MW project with battery storage, and the Louisiana Public Service Commission approved a 100 MW Amite battery deal after waiving its own competitive bidding rules. Local Business & Logistics: RBW Logistics expanded via acquisition of World Group’s warehousing units, adding new markets and capacity tied to regional supply chain demand. Port & Construction: West Calcasieu Port opened a new tenant office building to support Highway 27 corridor businesses, while New Orleans permits highlight adaptive reuse and boutique hotel conversions in the CBD. Weather & Safety: Tropical Storm Arthur remnants triggered flash flooding and road closures in Rankin County, underscoring the Gulf Coast risk Louisiana homeowners and operators face. Policy & Courts: Louisiana AG Liz Murrill pressed the 5th Circuit to lift a block on a parental consent age-verification law for social platforms. Economy & Politics: Coverage of Trump’s Iran deal centers on market-driven energy price drops and sharp Republican backlash, including Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy’s criticism.

Energy & Trade: The U.S. and Iran signed an interim peace memorandum that takes “immediate effect,” reopening the Strait of Hormuz and triggering sanctions relief for Iranian crude exports—moves that could quickly reshape Gulf shipping and energy pricing. Louisiana Power Infrastructure: Entergy Louisiana is set to complete downtown Thibodaux resiliency pole-change work in two phases, with short planned outages limited to Sunday–Wednesday nights. LNG & Shipping: Venture Global expanded its LNG supply deal with Germany’s EnBW, while Jera booked Mitsui OSK carriers to move low-carbon ammonia from Louisiana to Japan—both underscoring Louisiana’s role in global energy supply chains. Construction & Safety: Lafayette officials laid out a coordinated demolition plan for remaining Coburn’s building walls after the downtown collapse, aiming to reopen Second Street. Storm Watch: Tropical Storm Arthur weakened to a low-pressure area but still threatens Louisiana and the broader Gulf Coast with days of heavy rain and flooding risk. Local Industry & Policy: Louisiana lawmakers face fresh criticism over menhaden industry impacts on local fishers as the state weighs accountability and enforcement. Workforce/Research: LSU and Hyundai Steel advanced next-gen steelmaking research with a major partnership, tying university work to a large Louisiana mill project. Public Services: Baton Rouge voters will decide on East Baton Rouge Parish Library funding via a dedicated property tax.

Energy & Industry: Hydro will close Extrusion North America’s extrusion plants in City of Industry, California, and Delhi, Louisiana, with both sites winding down during 2027, citing low capacity use and needed capital upgrades; the move affects about 350 workers and production is being retooled to other North American facilities. Power Grid: The Louisiana Public Service Commission approved Entergy Louisiana’s nearly $200M Adams Creek–Robert 230kV transmission project after rejecting a judge’s recommendation to block it, clearing a path for a new 41-mile line to bolster reliability in southeast Louisiana. Steel & Research: LSU and Hyundai Steel signed a Master Research Agreement tied to Hyundai’s $5.8B Ascension Parish mill, setting up joint work across metallurgy, materials, energy, robotics, automation and environmental engineering, plus workforce training. Aviation & Jobs: Louisiana’s FastSites program is backing a $74M hangar and site expansion at Acadiana Regional Airport in New Iberia, supporting Aviation Exteriors Louisiana’s aircraft maintenance growth. Workforce/Health: LCMC Health broke ground on an inpatient behavioral health unit at New Orleans East Hospital, aiming to expand access for east-of-Industrial-Canal residents. Local Economy: New Iberia approved a new Economic Development District for the Lagniappe Shopping Center, enabling a one-cent sales tax to fund parking upgrades, despite resident pushback. Construction Backlash: Lafayette business owners urged the mayor-president to pause the Bertrand Drive Revitalization project, saying it could hurt existing shops and restaurants. Weather Risk: Tropical Storm Arthur formed in the Gulf and is expected to bring life-threatening flooding and storm surge risk along the Louisiana coast, including the Port Arthur–Lake Charles energy corridor.

LSU–Hyundai Steel Partnership: LSU signed a master research agreement with Hyundai Steel tied to the $5.8B Ascension Parish mill, setting a framework for joint work in steelmaking, materials science, energy, robotics/automation and environmental engineering, plus workforce training support. Port & Manufacturing Expansion: Gulf Coast Tactical will invest $6.1M at its Port of Iberia operations, adding 65 jobs to build unmanned surface and patrol craft for security and defense. Energy & Prices: A U.S.–Iran interim deal is expected to pressure gas prices lower if the Strait of Hormuz reopens, while Louisiana’s oil industry is watching for real supply stability. Oil Security Watch: The U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve is nearing historic lows amid continued drawdowns, raising questions about Gulf Coast emergency capacity. Housing & Development: HUD met Northwest Louisiana stakeholders on affordability and Opportunity Zones, pushing local streamlining to cut regulatory costs that add to homebuilding timelines. Storm Readiness: Forecasters tracked a potential first named storm off Texas with heavy-rain and flooding risks stretching toward Louisiana’s energy corridor. Local Business/Community: Suncrete acquired Little Rock’s ABC Block Co., expanding ready-mix distribution across the region including Louisiana.

Energy & Supply Chains: The U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve fell to 365.1 million barrels—its lowest since April 2024—after continued drawdowns tied to the Iran conflict, with analysts warning it could hit 1983-era lows soon. Industrial Construction: Baton Rouge-based US FUSION & Specialty Construction will showcase specialty plastics fabrication and piping solutions at Houston’s EPC Show, targeting LNG, petrochemical, power and data center projects. Critical Minerals: Glomar Minerals is weighing a “Project Infinity” deep-sea mining refining facility with two greater New Orleans site options, aiming to decide by late summer. Flood Risk & Insurance: Louisiana’s insurance commissioner urged residents to prepare for heavy rain and flash flooding tied to Invest 90-L, including reviewing deductibles and flood coverage. Agriculture Policy: Louisiana’s Amite River Basin Commission praised Gov. Jeff Landry’s new watershed restoration and conservation fund law, designed to reduce flood risk in sand-mining-impacted areas. Manufacturing Expansion: Andritz-Western Pneumatics expanded its Ruston operations with a $1.4 million investment, adding 15 jobs and new laser-cutting and crane equipment. Food & Local Economy: Baton Rouge’s Main Street Market launched a Summer Culinary Series featuring chef-led classes and tastings using seasonal Louisiana ingredients. Workforce/Tech: A national push for broadband rollout highlights a growing labor shortage for data center and internet infrastructure jobs—an issue states are trying to solve as BEAD timelines tighten.