AGP Executive Report

Arctic Shipbuilding Contract: The U.S. Coast Guard finalized contracts for six Arctic Security Cutters, with four ships valued at about $2.2B awarded to Bollinger Shipyards Lockport in Louisiana and delivery starting in 2028, supporting Louisiana’s marine manufacturing pipeline. I-49 Connector Push: Lafayette Mayor-President Monique Blanco Boulet and state officials signed a draft Environmental Impact Statement for the long-delayed I-49 Connector, unlocking about $80M in federal grant applications for the first phase near Lafayette Regional Airport. Industrial Permitting Fight: River Parishes residents asked a federal court to halt expedited permitting for a proposed ammonia plant tied to CF Industries’ RiverPlex MegaPark, citing threats to enslaved ancestors’ graves and historic preservation rules. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded recalls of Zapp’s and Dirty potato chips to its highest-risk Class I status over possible Salmonella contamination, including multiple New Orleans Kettle Style and Dirty varieties. Small Business Relief: SBA disaster loans are available to Louisiana businesses and residents affected by Tropical Storm Arthur, covering parishes including Avoyelles, St. Landry, St. Tammany, and Terrebonne. Workplace Rights: Three former Performance Energy Services employees sued in federal court alleging retaliation after reporting racial slurs used by a supervisor while working offshore in Louisiana.

Maritime & Energy Policy: House Republicans led by Mike Johnson, James Comer and others urged President Trump to let the Jones Act waiver expire Aug. 16, arguing the policy protects the U.S. maritime industrial base and national security. Industrial Finance: One Canal Place’s new owners filed Chapter 11 in New Jersey less than three months after a $28M purchase, raising questions for the 75%-occupied New Orleans office tower. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a Salmonella-related recall affecting 600,000+ bags of Utz chips, including Zapp’s and Dirty brands, to its most severe category. Port/Logistics Tech: A Louisiana-linked offshore vessel tracked to Louisiana is drawing scrutiny near Bonita Beach as reporters investigate an international fiber optic cable landing project. Local Business & Growth: Stax Engineering secured $150M from Bain Capital to expand emissions capture services, including a new agreement with IMTT in New Orleans’ orbit. Public Safety: Louisiana State Police and partners arrested three in a West Feliciana Parish child exploitation investigation tied to online activity. Banking: Business First Bancshares set its Q2 2026 earnings release and call for July 23. Energy Costs: SWEPCO highlighted summer rebates and assistance options, including LIHEAP support, as heat index climbs.

Workforce & AI Infrastructure: Meta’s free America’s Workforce Academy class is set for Baton Rouge this fall, training people for AI/data-center construction trades via ABC Pelican, with stipends and job guarantees after a 4–5 week program. Biomedical Development: Andy Kopplin says New Orleans’ biomedical corridor hinges on finally moving the stalled Charity Hospital redevelopment, arguing the BioDistrict lacked funding momentum for years. Construction & Talent: As Gibbs Construction turns 50, the company highlights investing in talent and technology and leaning into AI-ready workflows for future New Orleans projects. Energy & Industry: Calcasieu Parish approved a new solar farm on 1,000+ acres feeding the Jeff Davis Electric Co-op grid, while Galilee Energy spudded the Zydeco-1 well in Louisiana targeting gas and condensate. Public Safety & Compliance: Louisiana launched a new sports agent registration portal with training, fees, and background checks to protect student-athletes. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a Zapp’s/Dirty brand potato chip recall to a Class I risk level over possible salmonella contamination tied to dry milk powder. Port & Logistics: Moran Towing completed its acquisition and integration of Bisso Towboat, adding 11 tractor tugs and 78 employees to its Lower Mississippi River operations.

Bridge & Infrastructure: DOTD says the $361M Jimmie Davis Bridge replacement will trigger intermittent nighttime lane closures July 10–Aug. 7 on Arthur Ray Teague Parkway in Bossier City for girder placement, with detours via LA 511/Barksdale Blvd. Energy & Environment: Louisiana regulators approved a coastal use permit for BP’s offshore Kaskida project pipeline (“Rome Pipeline”), drawing condemnation from the Center for Biological Diversity over spill and wildlife risks. Defense & Shipbuilding: HII’s Ingalls began fabrication of USS John F. Lehman (DDG 137), with partner yards across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida producing structural units. Healthcare Workforce: LSUA broke ground on a $43M Health Education Campus in Alexandria aimed at doubling nursing and allied health graduates. Workforce/Tech Policy: Louisiana delayed its app store age-verification enforcement to July 1, 2027 after HB 977 repealed the original clock. Agriculture & Public Health: USDA reminded Louisiana producers to file crop acreage reports, while CDC flagged a rise in cyclosporiasis cases that includes Louisiana. Food & Seafood: Lafayette chef Kris Allen won the Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off, earning “King of Louisiana Seafood” and a spot at the Great American Seafood Cook-Off.

Hydrogen & carbon capture setback: Air Products scrapped its $4.5 billion Louisiana Clean Energy Complex in Ascension Parish, citing returns that didn’t meet its criteria—leaving local leaders split between economic disappointment and relief over Lake Maurepas concerns. Local business pressure: French Quarter companies sued the Sewerage and Water Board over Decatur Street construction, arguing fencing and closures are dragging out losses and demanding tighter timelines plus billing relief. Industrial growth watch: A Donaldsonville “new era” story points to the $5.8B Hyundai Steel mill as a catalyst for new restaurants and downtown renovations. Energy & infrastructure tech: DOTD put an AI camera-based queue detection system into service on I-12 near Denham Springs, aiming to spot slowdowns earlier. Construction logistics: LADOTD scheduled lane closures for bridge inspections across NW Louisiana parishes (Caddo/Bossier, DeSoto, Red River) from about 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on set dates starting July 6. Workforce pipeline: A Lake Charles nonprofit wrapped its Shining STARS Business and Leadership Summer Program for students, blending entrepreneurship and life skills. Public safety: State Fire Marshal urged fireworks safety ahead of the Fourth, highlighting burn risks and licensed vendor rules. Sports/education: Nicholls named Darion Brown head men’s basketball coach; Southeastern Louisiana University’s marketing office won graphic design and videography Communicator Awards.

Data Center Rules: Gov. Jeff Landry’s new taxpayer protections for data centers may not apply to the biggest Louisiana projects already certified for the state’s data center tax break, including Meta in Richland Parish, Amazon’s Caddo-Bossier plan, Applied Digital in Rapides Parish, and Hut 8 in West Feliciana. Hydrogen Exit: Air Products is scrapping its Ascension Parish clean hydrogen project and carbon capture plan around Lake Maurepas, citing rising costs and reduced clean energy tax credits. Coastal Pipeline Fight: Louisiana fishermen and environmental groups, including the Sierra Club, sued in Cameron Parish over a coastal use permit for the Marais Pipeline feeding the CP2 LNG terminal, arguing regulators failed to fully analyze cumulative climate and erosion impacts. New Orleans Utilities: Sewerage and Water Board officials admitted a $300M Entergy-powered power complex can shut down during normal grid disruptions and said they’ll switch to in-house turbines during major storms. Office Market Watch: A new report says downtown New Orleans office occupancy stayed under 80% in 2025, with rising operating costs and insurance premiums weighing on landlords. Food Aid Gap: A state audit found Louisiana returned more than $111M in unused WIC benefits and urged steps to expand access for low-income mothers and babies. Construction Deals: Louisiana M&A activity is led by specialty construction, including roofing and overhead door acquisitions across the state. Manufacturing Spotlight: Union Tank Car Company unveiled “UTLX 1776,” a rail tank car built in Alexandria to mark America’s 250th anniversary.

Energy & LNG: Thailand’s state energy giant PTT is in early talks with developers for long-term LNG supply, including Louisiana LNG work tied to Woodside, as Asian buyers try to diversify after Iran-linked disruptions. Agriculture: Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain met flood-affected farmers in Opelousas, urging tight documentation of crop and livestock losses to unlock state and federal aid. Legal/Health: A federal judge refused to let Sanofi dodge claims in the Taxotere MDL, saying labeling warnings may not be “accurate, clear and unambiguous.” Local Business: New Orleans’ Sewerage & Water Board construction continues to squeeze French Quarter shops; the city is offering a Business Stabilization Fund for eligible businesses, with Brechtel Park also closing for about 90 days for safety upgrades. Construction & Infrastructure: Entergy highlighted how Tropical Storm Arthur is being used to stress-test storm readiness, logistics, and grid response across Louisiana. Culture & Food: Chef Don Bergeron, a Donaldsonville native, earned Best Local Chef in the 2026 Best of 225 awards, while Southeastern Louisiana University ranked among the nation’s best for college dining.

Water Infrastructure Funding: Opelousas Water System is getting $17M to upgrade mains, service lines, wells and storage tanks, aiming to cut leaks and unaccounted-for water loss for about 6,500 customers, with financing through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law via Louisiana’s DWRLF. Aviation Memorial: Edwards AFB will hold a 6:30 p.m. memorial for eight people killed in a June 15 B-52 crash, including Shreveport’s Col. Gregory Watson and other service and contractor personnel. Agriculture Watch: USDA’s weekly crop report shows corn condition slipping slightly while the Pro Farmer Crop Condition Index edges up, and winter wheat is 48% harvested. Gulf Environmental Risk: NOAA expects the Gulf of Mexico “dead zone” to expand to more than 7,000 square miles this summer, with Louisiana researchers urging long-term reduction efforts. Local Business Impact Lawsuit: French Quarter businesses are suing SWBNO over the Decatur Street project, alleging broad access problems, lost revenue and asking for injunctions and faster work. Convenience Retail Expansion: ExtraMile opened its first Florida store and says Louisiana is next as it targets 250+ new locations over five years.

Public Transit Leadership: New Orleans RTA CEO search is underway as riders report unreliable service; board chair Ann Duplessis says the next leader must respect the rider experience and could be chosen by end of August. State Politics & Agriculture: U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow won Louisiana’s GOP Senate runoff, setting up a Nov. matchup with Democrat Jamie Davis, while Letlow leans on Trump support and pushes agriculture-focused priorities. Health & Research: LSU Pennington Biomedical researchers are studying how GLP-1 weight-loss drugs affect muscle mass and metabolism—aiming to reduce “metabolic adaptation” downsides as Louisiana’s obesity rate stays high. Film & Tech in Louisiana: Virtual production—popularized by “The Mandalorian” using LED stages—keeps spreading into Louisiana as local companies and universities invest in the hardware and workflows. Local Infrastructure: Iberville Parish plans to preserve Bayou Grosse Tete’s drainage role even as conditions change, with community-focused plans aimed at protecting a key waterway. Energy & Industry: Dallas Fed reports oil and gas activity in northern Louisiana and the Texas region hit a four-year high, even as costs and regulation squeeze margins. Construction Disruption: French Quarter businesses along Decatur Street seek a preliminary injunction against S&WB over Decatur Street construction closures and fencing practices, arguing access and notice have been mishandled. University Growth: Southeastern Louisiana University adds new AI and cybersecurity concentrations and continues expanding media and sports communications opportunities.

Louisiana Senate: U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow won the GOP Senate nomination in Louisiana’s runoff, defeating state Treasurer John Fleming and setting up a November matchup with Democrat Jamie Davis—an outcome tied closely to President Trump’s push to replace Republicans he views as insufficiently loyal. Acadiana Aerospace Watch: State Sen. Bob Hensgens told the Abbeville Meridional that a potential SpaceX land deal in Vermilion Parish has moved into more advanced talks, with procedural steps remaining after earlier legal hurdles. Energy & Offshore Work: SLB’s OneSubsea unit landed a BP contract for subsea boosting equipment at the Thunder Horse field in the Gulf, part of a broader push to standardize offshore execution. Education & Workforce: Southeastern Louisiana University named Caroline E. Sawyer as department head for Communication and Media Studies, added new AI and cybersecurity concentrations, and expanded sports media training via a scholarship with Gateway Ford. Local Culture & Tourism: Essence Fest’s daytime lineup and major Superdome concert series are set for July 3-5, with big-name entertainment and free convention-center experiences expected to drive major visitor spending.

Aerospace Workforce Push: Louisiana is positioning itself to compete for thousands of high-paying aerospace jobs, building on partnerships and workforce efforts launched since 2022. Energy & Industry Pulse: A Dallas Fed survey shows U.S. oilfield activity strengthening to its strongest pace since 2022, even as executives flag oil-price uncertainty tied to the Iran conflict. Public Utilities & Growth Pressure: Louisiana’s GOP primary runoff results set up new Public Service Commission races, with metro New Orleans-area utility oversight front and center as industrial demand and data centers expand. Senate Race Turns: U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow won Louisiana’s GOP Senate nomination in the runoff, setting up a November matchup and keeping the Trump-aligned ticket on track. Disaster Response: Gov. Jeff Landry asked the White House for a major disaster declaration after Tropical Storm Arthur flooding and tornadoes hit multiple parishes. Big Redevelopment: Tulane is moving ahead with a roughly $500M redevelopment of abandoned Charity Hospital in New Orleans, aiming to add thousands of jobs and new research capacity. Local Business Update: Blue Store Chicken will close its original location July 4 and relocate nearby due to building condition concerns. Food & Farming: Louisiana’s Seafood Cook-Off crowned a Lafayette chef as King of Louisiana Seafood, highlighting the state’s seafood industry and producers.

Disaster Response: Gov. Jeff Landry is asking the White House for a major disaster declaration after Tropical Storm Arthur dumped historic rainfall and triggered flooding and tornadoes across Louisiana, with Individual Assistance requested for six parishes including Avoyelles and Terrebonne. Energy & Infrastructure: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Gov. Landry and Louisiana officials held a first-of-its-kind summit in Baton Rouge aimed at speeding projects and permitting, while also addressing concerns about how elevation work could be handled. Agriculture & Flood Recovery: USDA is offering disaster assistance to Louisiana agricultural producers hit by the same flooding, and Louisiana Farm Bureau reopened its hay clearinghouse after catastrophic impacts. Healthcare Costs: States are moving to lower drug prices by targeting pharmacy benefit managers that manage prescription coverage for health plans, with new rules and legal fights spreading nationwide. Workforce & Education Efficiency: SWEPCO delivered a $49,505 incentive check to support energy-saving upgrades for Kilgore ISD’s new high school, expected to cut electricity use by nearly 400,000 kWh annually. Politics: Trump made a final push for Julia Letlow ahead of Louisiana’s Senate runoff against John Fleming, framing the race as a major win for Louisiana’s economy and energy industry.

Aerospace Workforce Push: Louisiana is positioning itself for high-paying aerospace jobs, building on partnerships and workforce efforts since 2022 to compete as the sector accelerates. Flood Recovery for Agriculture: USDA is urging Louisiana producers hit by recent flooding to tap disaster programs, including Livestock Indemnity (LIP) and Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish (ELAP), with deadlines for 2026 losses. Coastal Infrastructure Fight: Environmental groups and fishermen are challenging Louisiana’s approval of the Marais Pipeline coastal use permit, arguing the state didn’t complete legally required impacts analysis for a project that would disturb hundreds of acres of wetlands tied to hurricane protection. Energy & Permitting Transparency: A Louisiana firm is also pressing regulators to unredact parts of a utility sale review in New Mexico, pushing for more public disclosure in energy oversight. Coastal Louisiana at Risk: Reporting from Cameron Parish highlights disappearing marsh and how the Calcasieu Ship Channel’s saltwater intrusion is shifting shrimp and oyster patterns, raising stakes for hurricane-season resilience. Workplace Legal Case: A Baton Rouge-area Goodyear worker alleges race discrimination and wrongful termination, claiming unfair discipline and fabricated misconduct led to his firing. Local Construction Update: Sewerage & Water Board crews are removing fencing and tarps after months of Decatur Street water main work, though completion has slipped to August at the earliest.

Aerospace Workforce Push: Louisiana is positioning itself for high-paying aerospace jobs, leaning on partnerships built since 2022 to compete for new investment. Biofuels & Agriculture: Domestic biofuels production is boosting soybean demand as EPA biodiesel blend levels rise, with Louisiana among new/expanding crush capacity expected to come online. Coastal Tech Debate: Coastal Louisiana is weighing AI’s promise for monitoring offshore infrastructure and tracking erosion and fisheries against fears of job disruption and workforce shifts. Hurricane Research in Action: In Lake Charles, a Hurricane Hunter “flying research laboratory” (Miss Piggy) brought students into how NOAA aircraft collect ocean and atmosphere data to improve storm forecasting. Flood Recovery for Ranchers: Louisiana Farm Bureau reopened its hay clearinghouse after catastrophic flooding, matching ranchers with surplus hay to those who lost forage. Transportation & Infrastructure: DOTD shared progress on a $4M US 190 improvement in Lacombe, with permanent striping set to begin Monday. Local Business Growth: Fortune Fish & Gourmet acquired Inland Foods’ Houston and New Orleans operations, aiming for continuity and expanded service in key Southeast markets. Regulatory Fight: Seventeen AGs, including Louisiana’s, sued California over its single-use plastics packaging law, arguing it will raise costs nationwide. Public Works Scrutiny: Bundick Lake’s spillway upgrade is moving forward as a multi-year project, but residents raised concerns about DOTD’s approach.

Defense Manufacturing: Gulf Coast Tactical is expanding its New Iberia facility with a $6.1M investment to boost production of unmanned surface vessels and patrol craft, targeting 65 new direct jobs and up to 137 total jobs. Energy & Permitting: Gov. Jeff Landry signed an executive order setting new requirements for power-intensive data center projects, aiming to protect ratepayers and natural resources while pushing grid reliability and local investment. Local Infrastructure: Ouachita Parish Police Jury received $6M from FEMA for an $8M drainage project along I-20 Frontage Road near Monroe, with construction expected to start in about three years. Food Safety: Lafayette-area restaurants were cited with critical health violations in recent LDH inspections, including issues like improper cold holding, cross-contamination, and labeling/storage problems. Public Health: Raw milk is again under scrutiny after more than 80 Americans fell ill in the first half of 2026, including a Louisiana cluster tied to unpasteurized dairy risks. Business & Tech: TigerConnect rolled out AI-powered scheduling and upgrades to its Smart Room tools to automate hospital staffing and coordination workflows. Agriculture/Workforce: Louisiana’s crawfish industry continues to feel pressure from labor shortages, with attention on efforts to address the 2026 season impacts. Consumer/Policy: Seventeen states, including Louisiana, sued California over its single-use plastics packaging law, arguing it raises costs and overreaches into interstate commerce.

Defense Innovation: The U.S. Navy launched the Gulf Coast Defense Catalyst in New Orleans, linking four Navy commands with local businesses, startups, and universities to speed defense tech and strengthen the region’s industrial base. New Orleans Flood Governance: Gov. Jeff Landry publicly pressed the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East to release an investigative report and defended his police-focused reshaping of the board, as turmoil continues over spending and leadership changes. City Hall Funding Fight: Landry vetoed more than $12 million in state construction funding for New Orleans projects, including a new City Hall, affordable housing, and an integrated healthcare hub—adding fuel to the ongoing standoff with city leaders. Industrial Growth & Jobs: Loop Linen broke ground on a $16.4 million West Bank expansion near Avondale, boosting capacity but cutting headcount via automation. Aviation & Tech Policy: Louisiana became the latest state to ban ADS-B-based billing for small aircraft under Part 91, aligning with aviation safety officials’ pushback on using safety tech as a fee generator. Workforce & Education: SOWELA Technical Community College was ranked #1 in Louisiana by WalletHub for the ninth straight year, citing affordability and career outcomes. Energy & Manufacturing Finance: Groups Rural Roots Louisiana and Louisiana Bucket Brigade challenged a $440 million bond deal tied to a Hyundai Steel plant at RiverPlex MegaPark, questioning repayment sources and viability. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Thibodaux council reviewed an internal audit and Entergy Louisiana’s utility pole upgrade plans, while approving zoning and resolutions.