The Louisiana Economic Development (LED) Certified Sites Program has awarded electric power utility Entergy New Orleans and CSX “Certified Site” designation for a CSX-owned, 76-acre industrial plot on Almonaster Avenue in New Orleans.
The site is the first in New Orleans to receive this certification, “marking it development-ready following a rigorous due diligence process,” CSX said. “The certified site will benefit residents by creating job opportunities, improving infrastructure and enhancing logistics and transportation services.”
Working with CSX, Entergy identified the Almonaster site, facilitated the certification process, and acted as the primary point of contact between stakeholders including Greater New Orleans, Inc. and the New Orleans Business Alliance. The utility company said it “provides extensive support for business relocation and expansion” and “financially contributed to the certification costs.”
“LED’s Certified Sites Program sets a high standard in qualifying for a certified site designation.,” CSX noted. “Potential certified sites undergo extensive environmental assessments, topographic surveys and geotechnical investigations. This rigorous process assures prospective developers that certified properties are ready for immediate development and is provided to enhance confidence of investors. LED has positioned the state as a national leader, with certified sites serving as important tools for economic growth. Louisiana currently boasts a robust portfolio of more than 400 certified industrial sites ready for development statewide, with 140 sites having completed the comprehensive due diligence process for certification.”
“Achieving LED Certification for this site is a significant milestone, one that positions the area for development in the near-term and for success in the long run,” said Deanna Rodriguez, President and CEO of Entergy New Orleans. “We are grateful to the CSX team for the work they did to make this happen, and to the LED for their careful consideration.”
“Obtaining LED Certification is reflective of our commitment to partnering with communities in which we live and work to drive business development and economic growth,” said Christina Bottomley, CSX Vice President of Real Estate and Industrial Development. “Collaborating with Entergy New Orleans on the development of the Almonaster site further positions CSX as a leader for the entire rail industry on environmental sustainability as we create better value by diverting more freight from other modes of transportation while transporting more goods and reducing emissions.”
“It’s exciting to see New Orleans mark this milestone, and LED commends Entergy and CSX for working together to make it possible,” said LED Chief Competitiveness Officer Ileana Ledet. “By undertaking the rigorous process of certifying this site in New Orleans East, they have put Orleans Parish in a stronger competitive position to attract major capital investments to the Southeast Region. We hope other businesses will follow their lead, so that the number of certified sites in Orleans Parish can continue to grow.”
