It’s like a ball of string that gradually gets unwound.
As the Nov. 3 vote on the Caddo Commission’s $60 million general obligation bond fast approaches, more details slowly seep out about this grandiose project.
At the North Shreveport Business Association luncheon yesterday (Tues.), Caddo Administrator Erica Bryant said three areas along the I-20 corridor for the proposed complex had been identified—Pines Road, Jefferson Paige Road and Greenwood.
The Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce released today a detailed report endorsing the proposal, providing more information along with the Chamber’s analysis that warranted the endorsement of the bond proposal.
The report reads that “the Administration has identified the following interchanges that have available property that meet the acreage requirements. Exit 5 (Greenwood Road), Exit 8 (West Bert Kouns Industrial Loop), Exit 10 (Pines Road), and Exit 11 (I-220/3132.”
The proposed bond issue is for $60 million and the planned complex on 12 ½ acres is projected to cost $70 million.
The Chamber’s endorsement letter did NOT address the funding sources for the extra $10 million.
Additionally, the Parish Administration has advertised this proposal to include an additional 200 acres for more sports facilities, ancillary businesses to include a hotel(s), and food venues. The Chamber did not address these amenities which are being touted as needed to make the complex a success.
A future Settle Talk will review more details on this endorsement.
On first reading, the Chamber's endorsement appears to be more promise than pudding.
