Entergy New Orleans earned a bronze rating from CSX for its 76-acre industrial site on Almonaster Avenue, the first Louisiana Economic Development (LED) Certified Site in New Orleans. This milestone underscores the city’s readiness for industrial investment and creates a path to job creation and enhanced transportation networks.

The site designation is part of CSX’s national Select Site program, which evaluates and ranks rail-served properties across the country. Among 18 sites evaluated, the Almonaster location earned a high-level bronze rating, highlighting its development potential and long-term economic value.

“Entergy New Orleans is proud to partner with CSX in preparing the Almonaster site for industrial development and honored receive this distinction—a reflection of our shared commitment to strengthening this site,” said Istvan Molnar, director of business and economic development at Entergy New Orleans. “We look forward to continued collaboration with CSX and LED to help drive long-term economic growth for the City of New Orleans.”

Entergy New Orleans played a pivotal role in identifying the site, guiding it through the certification process, and facilitating collaboration among key stakeholders, including CSX, Greater New Orleans, Inc., and the New Orleans Business Alliance. It also contributed funding toward certification costs and is developing marketing materials to attract investment.

“Each Select Site represents months of collaboration with landowners, counties, and utility partners, creating a significant opportunity for economic growth,” said Rashard D. Howard, director of industrial development at CSX. “By bringing these sites to market with the necessary due diligence already completed, we are making it faster and easier for manufacturers to invest, build, and create jobs in local communities.”

LED’s Certified Sites Program requires a rigorous qualification process. Sites must undergo environmental assessments, topographic surveys, and other due diligence measures to ensure they are development ready. This standard reduces risk for potential investors and accelerates the timeline for project launches.

Entergy New Orleans continues to support economic development across the region by offering reliable electric power at rates 21% below the national average and by providing robust support for business expansion and relocation. The certification of the Almonaster site builds on these efforts and positions New Orleans as a strategic hub for future industrial development.

Click here to learn more about the CSX Certified Site.

For more information about the Certified Sites Program, visit the LED Certified Sites Program.