Jefferson Parish looks to overtake EBR in economic development

In their annual “State of the Parish” address Monday, Jefferson Parish leaders pushed economic development and said they’re looking to surpass East Baton Rouge Parish as the most prosperous parish in Louisiana, WWL-TV Channel 4 reports. “Before too long, we’re gonna overtake East Baton Rouge both as the largest most populated parish and also with the largest workforce,” Jefferson Parish President John Young says. Currently, Jefferson trails East Baton Rouge in residents by roughly 8,000. However, while Jefferson saw its population dip 5% over the past decade, East Baton Rouge grew to the largest metro area in the state with 6.6% population growth, according to census 2010 figures. Young says economic development is the engine for growth in Jefferson Parish, and he describes a road map for the future anchored by a bridge: the Huey P.Long. “It’ll be a catalyst for economic growth and development,” he says, adding the widening project is on schedule for completion in the fall of 2013.