The University is taking the first step in a $10 million expansion project to purchase nearly 100 acres to develop a research park.
The South Campus Land Acquisition is included in House Bill 2, signed by Gov. Bobby Jindal this summer. The bill allocates $1.25 million to purchase a portion of the land while the remaining $8.75 million transfers to a state holding fund.
The fund will be available for access if approved during the next legislative session, said Rep. Hunter Greene, R-Baton Rouge, author of the bill.
“It looks like a commitment for $10 million, but it’s not,” said Jason Droddy, University assistant vice chancellor of legislative and external affairs. “The state has given us $1.25 million, but it isn’t approved until the Bond Commission meets. The $8.75 million is acknowledgement that it is a $10 million project.”
Greene hopes the proposal will be approved at the commission’s Sept. 16 meeting.
The land is currently owned by the LSU Foundation, a non-profit, privately funded foundation designed to advance and develop the University.  
The foundation acquired the property for the University’s future purchase and use, said Eric Monday, vice chancellor of Finance and Administrative Services. It will now sell land to the University as funds become available.
Approval by the commission would allow the University to purchase the first 22-acre tract, said Emmett David, Facility Development director. This area alone would cost $2.25 million — $1.25 million from the state and $1 million donated by the Board of Regents.
The stretch of land is located four miles south of the University near Nicholson Drive and Gardere Lane, off GSRI Avenue, according to Charles D’Agostino, executive director of the Louisiana Business and Technology Center.
“The Board of Supervisors approved a master plan that included this property to provide for the future growth of the main campus research initiatives,” David said. “That plan anticipates a future build of 3.1 million gross square feet of facilities.”
The research park will serve as a complex of businesses and incubation space that will provide an array of resources for the University.
It will enrich the learning environment, recruit faculty and students, increase research funding and financial support as well as create high-paying jobs for students and graduates, D’Agostino said.
“For one, LSU has now been encircled by city and has limited opportunity for growth,” Droddy said. “The Land Act gives us the opportunity to grow. Secondly, we don’t really have a lot of space for these types of businesses to locate on campus. This gives proximity to LSU.”
The park will also enhance the city of Baton Rouge by retaining business and expanding the tax base.
“This was the No. 2 project of the Baton Rouge area delegation. They believe that this is important for the economic development of the region,” Droddy said.
The project’s completion date is unclear.
“It is anticipated to transfer individual tracts of land over the next five years as funds are made available,” David said.
Droddy said the future is dependent on the funding that is provided by the state and the land acquired by those funds.
“The University will not be constructing the businesses,” he said. “LSU will buy the land and control who comes on and what they will do.”
Greene, University alumnus, believes the project will build a stronger University.
“We have a commitment to LSU,” Greene said. “Rock ‘n’ roll, and go all the way, and get it done!”
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Contact Sydni Dunn at [email protected]