Economy of southeast Louisiana set to grow in several directions

Southeast Louisiana could soon be one of the most productive metropolitan areas in the country.

We say “metropolitan” because that is what it is becoming with population and growth occurring all the way from New Orleans to Baton Rouge and Slidell to Morgan City.

Many people from New Orleans work in Baton Rouge these days and vice versa. A day trip from Houma to Covington is in the daytime chores of many workers and residents who provide their services to many communities in between.

The future economy of the entire area seems to be pulsating in many directions. For example, we are already the commercial fishing capital of the country. Plus, we produce and refine probably more oil and gas products from the ground than any other section of the nation.

And not only that, we have booming ports up and down the nation’s largest river that serves as the country’s biggest international interstate water highway. And that waterway will become one of the world’s largest water thoroughfares when the enlargement of the Panama Canal is completed to bring much more commercial boat traffic to its mouth. Add to that the vast amount of oil and natural gas that exists right next door beneath the central Gulf of Mexico waiting to be produced for worldwide consumption.

The distance between New Orleans and Baton Rouge is just about 72 miles, which some metropolitan areas of today already span. Along it, industries are growing daily on the river and in the oil and gas fields that indicate a never-ending growth pattern.

So prepare yourself for a great growth explosion in the future as our area builds its economy and population. It may get a bit busier than ever around here but it will be beneficial to our economy. And we can live our lives to the fullest.