funding
GAEDA provides grants to local organizations
The Greater Alexandria Economic Development Authority provided more than $136,000 in grants to several local organizations, with the largest amount going to the Port of Alexandria for expansion efforts. Other grant recipients include artists' workshops at River Oaks Square Arts Center, CLEDA, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity at NSU and Friends of the Alexandria Museum of Art. Full article.
Louisiana holding $517 million in unclaimed property
The Louisiana Dept of the Treasury is holding more than $517 million in unclaimed property that is waiting to be claimed. Unclaimed property is lost money that turned over to the state from a variety of sources. Full article.
Organic production assistance available
The USDA will provide up to $50 million in funding to help U.S. organic producers and those transitioning to organic production implement resource conservation practices on their agricultural operations. The Farm Bill has provisions for organic farm assistance by funding projects that can help organic farms protect and conserve natural resources on their land. Louisiana has only 12 certified organic producers. Full article.
Central LA universities balance plans with declining funding
Over the past two years, higher education in the state has seen the loss of almost $300 million and local universities are facing even more cuts in 2011. Officials are hopeful their institutions will ride out the economic storm in the upcoming year. LSUA faces a $3.17 million cut and Chancellor Dave Manuel recently indicated that LSUA's challenge will come in finding opportunities. Full article.
Cenla Advantage Partnership awarded $500,000 for Entrepreneurship Support
LA’s Office of Community Development-Disaster Recovery Unit recently announced $20 million in awards to nonprofit organizations in LA to provide low-interest loans and technical assistance to small businesses. Cenla Advantage Partnership will receive $500,000 for technical assistance for its entrepreneurship initiative clients. “This award, along with the continuing support of The Rapides Foundation, will allow us to continue to build on our Business Acceleration System,” said CAP CEO Jim Clinton. “In the four years that this initiative has been operating, our client businesses have created about 750 direct and indirect jobs and upwards of $150 million in economic impact.” Full information.
Coastal group sets aside funds for levee system
The state Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority voted to set aside $6 million in funding for wetland mitigation for a portion of the Morganza to the Gulf hurricane protection system in Terrebonne Parish. The Morganza to the Gulf hurricane protection system involves 72 miles of levees as well as floodgates and water control structures. Full article.
La. could get $13.2 million for small businesses
The U.S. Treasury Department recently indicated that LA could get up to $13.2 million to encourage lending to small businesses under a new federal law creating a nationwide $30 billion fund. The fund is part of a bill to aid small businesses and encourage hiring signed by President Barack Obama on Sept. 27. Under the new State Small Business Credit Initiative, states can apply for funds for programs that encourage private lenders to extend credit to small businesses. State have to demonstrate that each dollar in federal funds will translate into $10 of new private lending. The law also expands current loan programs handled by the federal Small Business Administration. Full article.
Forts Randolph and Buhlow gain funding
Just a few months ago, things looked bleak for Pineville's state park. But, today, the Civil War-era site is on pace for a fall opening. The Red River Waterway Commission put up more than $250,000 – two years worth of funding. Pineville Mayor Clarence Fields believes the park will be a big boost for the regional economy. Full article.
Grant funds for emerging small businesses
The City of Alexandria will receive around $36,000 to help local entrepreneurs start businesses through an innovative new program at the Central Louisiana Business Incubator. The funds were awarded to training service providers in all eight regions of the state to equip eligible individuals with personal and business development skills. Full article.
A Perfect Fit providing vouchers for shoes for needy Rapides Parish children
A Perfect Fit Foundation today will provide funding for 1,200 pairs of shoes for needy students in Rapides Parish schools. The vouchers can be used for shoes from Academy. Of the 1,200 vouchers, about 700 will go to students who have been identified by the Homeless Coalition as technically "homeless" while the other 500 will be distributed by Jones to principals to provide shoes to needy children at their schools. Full Article.
