There is NO room in the inn, I mean the Shreveport Aquarium, for a live whale. And I doubt there is room for a whale skeleton in the Sci-Port Discovery Center, but maybe the Shreveport Convention Center?
But there IS room for an economic whale, not just a gar, in the west Shreveport Industrial Park, and for an economic whale in the new downtown economic district.
For purposes of this column, an “economic whale” is being defined as a business that will make a substantial capital investment here and bring a gigantic economic benefit to an area. I am referring to the proposed data center and the proposed $500 million LED grant to Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson.
The Shreveport City Council can “land” a whale this Thursday at the Council meeting. The magnitude of the Council vote will equal, if not exceed, the Council’s approval of needed conditions to “land” the Amazon Fulfillment Center. A simple majority vote can approve the proposed data center.
As far as a whale getting beached in the Shreveport downtown area, that decision will be made in Baton Rouge. Reports seem to indicate that it will happen, maybe by year end.
A data center approval by the Council will be an economic milestone for Northwest Louisiana.
An LED grant to Jackson will be an economic boom for the Shreveport Bossier area.
A totally empty whale net will certainly be a big step back for economic development in Shreveport and Northwest Louisiana.
Yes, it's whale season in Shreveport
Many have put a data center whale and/or an LED grant whale on their Christmas list. By Thursday evening, Santa will bring joy to many or a lump of coal to Northwest Louisiana to those wanting a data center. The LED grant decision should be soon, so Santa may come twice to this area.
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.