News Summary
The Ward II Industrial Park in Vivian, Louisiana, has recently earned a gold-tier designation from Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railroad, marking it as the only gold-tier industrial site in the U.S. This prestigious status highlights improvements in infrastructure and access, making the site more attractive for industrial investment. Local leaders believe this will enhance economic development and job creation in the area, as companies are drawn to the park’s strategic location and existing utilities.
Vivian, Louisiana – The Ward II Industrial Park in Vivian has earned a prestigious gold-tier designation from the Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railroad (CPKC), making it the only gold-tier industrial site in the United States as of now. This 950-acre industrial park is a significant milestone for local economic development and is expected to enhance the area’s competitiveness for future industrial investment.
The gold-tier designation signifies that the Ward II Industrial Park meets the high standards set by CPKC, which is part of its “Room to Grow” strategy. This strategy encompasses nine locations across North America, including the United States, Mexico, and Canada, aimed at promoting industrial growth in key areas. The designation from CPKC is a reflection of the efforts from local leaders and community stakeholders to improve the park’s infrastructure and road access, making it more attractive for businesses.
Sheena Bryant, who serves as the vice president of business development strategy at the North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP), highlighted the importance of this milestone for local economic growth. The investment made in the Ward II Industrial Park several years ago, which led to its certification as a Louisiana Economic Development industrial site, has now resulted in this recognized achievement that could draw businesses to the region.
The Ward II Industrial Park’s strategic location is another crucial aspect of its appeal. It is situated within a day’s drive of approximately 84 million people, providing access to a large consumer base and workforce. Additionally, the site benefits from pre-existing infrastructure, including essential utilities like electricity and natural gas, that are vital for industrial operations.
In support of the park, the NLEP is creating marketing materials and partnering with engineering firm Burns & McDonnell to devise a comprehensive master plan for the Ward II Industrial Park. This plan will analyze the park’s existing infrastructure, demographics, and soil conditions to recommend the most suitable types of businesses and facilities that can thrive in the area. The goal is to align the park’s development with the needs of potential investors and industries.
The CPKC network plays a crucial role in connecting Ward II to broader markets. With the CPKC’s Deramus Yard located just north of Shreveport, Louisiana, the region is viewed as a significant logistical hub within the rail network. The integration of CPKC is particularly valuable, as the company succeeded from the merger of Kansas City Southern and Canadian Pacific, establishing extensive routes that cover Canada, the United States, and Mexico, reaching as far south as Vera Cruz, Mexico.
Prior to the gold-tier designation, CPKC has seen success with prior initiatives such as the development of a new auto compound near Dallas and a cold storage facility near Kansas City, Missouri. These projects are expected to facilitate the flow of goods across a vast transportation network, enhancing the efficiency of supply chains in North America.
The gold-tier designation for Ward II Industrial Park is anticipated to attract new businesses and spur economic developments in Vivian and its surrounding areas. As the park becomes better positioned for industrial growth, it stands to benefit not only local economies but also contribute to regional job creation and sustainability efforts. Further developments in the master plan are expected in the coming months, solidifying Ward II’s status as a prime location for future investment.
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate
- Wikipedia: Vivian, Louisiana
- Shreveport Times
- Google Search: Ward II Industrial Park
- KTAL News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: CPKC
- Railfan
- Google News: CPKC Industrial Development
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
