Sign of the times: To help fill an estimated 5,000 new technology jobs expected to be created in the state over the next three years, LSU announced today that it’s launching a new master’s program in digital media arts and engineering. The university says its the first program of its kind to be offered in Louisiana. The program “represents a smart step by LSU to capitalize on an important, promising trend in Louisiana’s economic development,” says Louisiana Department of Economic Development Secretary Stephen Moret in a prepared statement. LSU has more details on the new program.
Golden shovels: Gov. Bobby Jindal joined officials from CGI Federal in Lafayette today to mark the start of construction on a $13.1 million onshore information technology services delivery center. The 50,000-square-foot facility will house CGI’s fourth such center in the U.S. and create as many as 400 jobs in the area, Louisiana Economic Development estimates. The center will be an anchor tenant of the 143-acre Research Park of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of the year. LED has more details on today’s announcement.
Under oath: An executive for the BP subsidiary that faces billions of dollars in possible fines for the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill testified today that it is uncertain whether other BP entities would step in to help pay a steep penalty. The Associated Press reports the day’s first witness was Richard Morrison, regional president and chairman of the board for BP Exploration and Production, often referred to in court as BPX&P. He acknowledged that BP entities have aided his company with loans or equity purchases since the spill, but added that he had no way of knowing whether parent corporation BP or other entities would provide more help. Morrison and others testified as BP attorneys sought to convince U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier that BP should pay far less than the estimated $13.7 billion maximum penalty for the deadly 2010 disaster. Read the full story.
