Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that the Imperial Calcasieu Regional Planning and Development Commission (IMCAL) will receive a $20,000 investment to establish an economic development planning framework.
The Economic Development Administration (EDA) anticipates that the funds will allow IMCAL to develop a comprehensive economic development strategy for Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, and Jefferson Davis parishes.
The strategy will help support private capital investment, encourage job creation, and diversify the regional economy.
“Southwest Louisiana is a hub of economic growth with more than $122 billion worth of private endeavor projects that will bring good-paying jobs and new industries to the region,” said Rep. Higgins. “This investment will help ensure that local leaders have the tools necessary for sustained growth and continued economic success. I want to commend IMCAL Executive Director Cheri Soileau for her efforts on this project.”
IMCAL provides critical expertise to cities, municipalities, and parishes within the five-parish region. IMCAL’s focus is on regional collaboration, and the organization offers services to assist with project development, public infrastructure funding, community planning, access to EDA grants, identifying resources, and establishing connections throughout the region.
“We are excited to be recipients of additional federal funds and appreciate the on-going support from Congressman Higgins,” said IMCAL Executive Director Cheri Soileau. “As a regional planning commission, our goal is to continue to assist our parishes and municipalities with their public infrastructure and community planning needs.”
