Dr. Loren Scott’s Forecast Signals Bright Economic Outlook for Northwest Louisiana
As reported by Focus SB / The Inquisitor
Renowned economist Dr. Loren Scott delivered an optimistic economic forecast for Northwest Louisiana on Friday during a presentation at the Port of Caddo-Bossier. Covering Caddo, Bossier, and DeSoto Parishes—the state’s fourth-largest Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)—Scott’s report paints a promising picture of job growth, industrial investment, and infrastructure development over the next two years.
🔹 Data Center Prospects & Industrial Strength
Dr. Scott highlighted the area’s potential to attract a major data center, citing a strong foundation of existing industry players like Haynesville Shale, Fibrebond, Module X, SLB, and Gordon Inc. as forming a “critical mass” capable of supporting such a high-tech investment.
The Haynesville Shale—a key economic driver for the region—is set for a resurgence as demand for natural gas surges to supply LNG facilities in South Louisiana and the new Meta Data Center in Richland Parish.
🔹 Job Growth & MSA Expansion
Scott projected that the Shreveport-Bossier MSA will add 2,700 jobs in 2026 and 3,000 more in 2027, ranking fifth in growth rate among the state’s ten MSAs.
Several major employers are already exceeding expectations:
Amazon Fulfillment Center – Originally planned as a $200 million project with 1,300 jobs, the state-of-the-art facility ballooned to a $1 billion investment and now employs 2,200 workers.
SLB (formerly Schlumberger) – Invested $18.5 million to renovate the old GM plant, doubling its workforce from 400 to 800 employees.
Cyber Research Park – Employment grew from 1,854 in 2024 to 2,102 this year, with state appropriations jumping from $18.8 million to $40 million.
🔹 Port, Barksdale, and New Projects
The Port of Caddo-Bossier currently employs 2,047 workers, with growth to 2,189 expected by 2027.
At Barksdale Air Force Base, 9,083 people—including 2,608 military personnel and 6,475 civilians—are employed. The $210 million Weapons Generation Facility, nearing completion, is expected to create over 100 new jobs early next year.
Additional developments include:
Pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in InterTech Park (opening 2026) – 50 new jobs.
SkyWest MRO Facility at Shreveport Regional Airport – 150 new jobs by year’s end.
Ochsner LSU Health – $43 million in upgrades planned for 2026, adding 67 new permanent positions.
🔹 Casino, Infrastructure, and Beyond
The Live! Casino has already expanded the regional gaming market with $11 million in net Adjusted Gross Revenue in its first five months of operation during FY25.
Infrastructure spending is also set to surge, with $190.9 million in new state road projects slated for 2026–27, including:
Kansas City Railroad US371 overpass
Market Street Bridge replacement
Cross Bayou Bridge replacement
🔹 Conservative Yet Encouraging
Dr. Scott is known for issuing conservative estimates, which often prove to be outperformed in practice. If this trend holds, 2026 and 2027 could mark a powerful period of growth for Northwest Louisiana—anchored by technology, energy, manufacturing, and defense investments.