We have all heard the proverb, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” We use it when complex projects take time to complete. However, there is more to that phrase. The expanded version is, “Rome wasn’t built in a day, but they were laying bricks every hour.” Since 2020, the Port of Caddo-Bossier has been laying bricks for expansion.
The Port of Caddo-Bossier has been expanding its footprint since 2020, following the completion of its five-year master plan. Under the plan, the Port began purchasing adjacent land to develop megasites for large companies. It now holds 5,000 acres of land straddling Highway 1 in Caddo Parish.
Land is the first brick, but it is not enough to attract the attention of site selection consultants who recommend locations for major manufacturing facilities. Instead, they look for convenient, cost-effective transportation and robust utilities, such as water, gas and electricity. Site selectors are not looking for promises; they want infrastructure in place so a site is truly “shovel-ready.”
Now, the other bricks are being laid. Water is a critical infrastructure requirement for manufacturers. In 2024, a $20 million waterline project was completed, bringing water from Bossier City to the Port and the west side of the campus. This pipeline provides a redundant water source for both existing and new tenants. In 2025, the Port laid another brick by beginning the design of a two-mile stretch of rail for the west side of the campus. Planning is also underway for an I-69 service road that will allow Port traffic to exit in DeSoto Parish and take a direct route to the facility, alleviating traffic on I-49 and local streets. Additionally, the Port is collaborating with AEP SWEPCO on a study focused on the electricity needs of future tenants.
This year, the Port was named one of 19 inaugural “FastSites” by the Louisiana Department of Economic Development. The program provides $150 million for land improvements to ensure sites are shovel-ready.
Although known as the Port of Caddo-Bossier, the facility is a true multimodal transportation hub, utilizing river, rail and roads. In 2025, 234 barges brought products to the Port, a 14% increase over 2024. The Port also saw a nearly 10% increase in rail traffic, with more than 7,700 railcars moving through the campus.
Noted Louisiana economist Dr. Loren Scott found that for every job created at the Port of Caddo-Bossier, 4.1 jobs are created elsewhere. With nearly 2,000 direct employees, this translates to a total of 8,000 jobs for the region. Furthermore, current tenants continue to expand, adding even more opportunities.
A vital brick in the Port’s development is being a good neighbor. A recent master plan presentation for the newly acquired 1,000 acres includes nature trails, business space and retail hubs. The goal is to offer convenience for Port employees and nearby residents who need a neighborhood store, bank or dry cleaner. The nature trails will also allow families to enjoy the outdoors on the Port’s property. The region cannot begin to thank the Louisiana delegation of senators and representatives for their overwhelming financial support of the Port’s $8,500,000 capital outlay grant to purchase this property. Without this significant financial support, this opportunity would not have been possible. This is another example of how the Port works hand in hand with elected officials to bring home grant funds.
As the region expands opportunity, those looking for large-scale industrial sites are encouraged to follow the bricks and consider the shovel-ready Port of Caddo-Bossier.
Dr. Timothy Magner is the president of the Greater Shreveport Chamber.
This article was originally published in the May 2026 issue of Three18 Insider magazine.
