Dear Friends,

When I was elected governor, I promised our citizens and employers that I would work every day to help them prosper. In the months following the largest natural disaster in American history, I have remained focused on keeping the plight of our state and our people in front of the U.S. Congress and President Bush. Now, with Louisiana Economic Development, I am working hard to make our new and unprecedented business opportunities known to companies both inside and outside our state.

You may be aware that Congress recently passed the Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005. This is the most aggressive set of business incentives in U.S. history, and will drive economic restoration and rebuilding of Louisiana communities impacted by hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

This guide will illustrate the key fi nancial incentives included in the Gulf Opportunity Zone legislation. Gulf Opportunity Zone provisions such as 50 percent bonus depreciation of capital costs or $7.9 billion in tax-exempt private activity bonds offer outstanding investment opportunities to both large and small businesses. Combine these federal programs with our portfolio of existing federal and state incentives, and you’ll see that Louisiana is an extremely attractive destination for business location and expansion.

I am committed to not only building a better future in Louisiana, but making our economy a model for the 21st century. These incentives represent a major step in that direction. To learn more about the Gulf Opportunity Zone legislation and other federal and state incentives that can help your business thrive in Louisiana, review this guide prepared by our in-state experts, then contact Louisiana Economic Development at LouisianaForward.com.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Babineaux Blanco

Governor