Laura Bond, Reporter
08-20-2009
You can lead a horse to water, but make sure another horse hasn’t drunk it first.
When it comes to attracting commercial developments to the area, infrastructure is important. Not only is it good to have safe roads, but also adequate resources to keep a company in business.
The city of Ruston has been taking steps to make the sidewalks smoother and put its power lines underground in the downtown area. This could increase pedestrian traffic by creating a more attractive environment. As a result of the increased traffic, the area would be more appealing to investors.
Technology is another important factor in economic development. Ruston is in line to get a federal grant that would allow it to expand its services so as to offer high-speed Internet to some businesses and residences.
“There are such exciting opportunities available for entrepreneurs today,” said U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu, when she visited Ruston in April for a roundtable discussion about Internet access. “Technology is enabling people to build huge businesses in rural areas.”
Another important facet in attracting and maintaining commercial development is ensuring our natural resources are sufficient to meet their needs. Right now, there is a big problem with water supply. Water from the Sparta Aquifer — the primary source of drinking water for 15 parishes in north Louisiana — is being drawn out of the ground much faster than it can be replenished. The problem has grown worse as the population has increased and more businesses have moved into the area. Some industries use millions upon millions of gallons of water per day.
Right now, community leaders in Lincoln and Union parishes are trying to obtain funding to use Lake D’Arbonne as an alternative source of water. Lincoln Parish Police Jury President Skip Russell said this would take the two parishes off the Sparta and put them in a much better situation with water supply. As a result, the parishes would be better equipped to supply incoming industries with their water needs. And Russell said the proposed building of Interstate 69 through Louisiana near Shreveport will make Lincoln Parish more attractive to investors.
“Water is going to be key to the future,” Russell said. “Businesses and industry are looking to move somewhere close to Interstate 69 that has sufficient water.”
Attracting new businesses is great for providing job opportunities for residents and increasing the tax base to support schools and public safety groups. But before we invite new industries to utilize our resources, let’s make sure we have enough water to keep our current populations afloat.
Other Top Stories
