According to CEO Kevin Belanger the SCPDC has carried out many different functions to bring in $250 million for economic boost. It is informed that the agency is one of eight public regional planning commissions and economic development districts in Louisiana that provides long- and short-range planning services; writes grants; acts as a liaison between the federal and state governments; and distributes federal money to local communities.
Belanger also said that the agency was created in 1972 by member parishes and municipalities. The agency covers Lafourche, Terrebonne, Assumption, St. James, St. Charles and St. John parishes, representing around 300,000 people. The Louisiana legislature formalized the eight state planning commissions in 1977. The federal government pays $3.2 million of South Central Planning’s $8 million annual budget. The state contributes $2.8 million. Member parishes pay 38 cents in dues for each resident, amounting to around $129,000.
Belanger said two federally-funded programs administered by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries researching the impact of recent hurricanes on the local commercial fishing industry could bring around $48 million to the region. It is said that the business recovery program, run by the Louisiana Recovery Authority, distributes federal funds to businesses damaged by the recent hurricanes.
The commission also has a revolving loan fund for businesses needing gap financing and startup money. Businesses can receive loans of up to $250,000 from the fund at no more than 4 percent interest. Belanger said the fund has had only two defaults. The commission also performs building inspections with its 10 inspectors, reviews building plans, and issues building permits.
