Thrive November 2023

Page 64

Places & Faces

JUST

IMAGINE CHENNAULT/SOWELA

SWLA RESILIENCE DISTRICT Southwest Louisiana is on the brink of a monumental transformation, with the 50-year Resilience Master Plan, “Just Imagine SWLA,” leading the way. Among the 11 catalytic projects that make up this visionary plan is the Chennault/SOWELA Resilience District.

A TALE OF TWO KEY INSTITUTIONS

ND LOOKING FORWARD Nestled on the eastern edge of Lake Charles, Chennault LA

childcare,growth and fitness/athletic facilities is critical for the continued of this area of Lake

Attribution: SOWELA

International Airport and SOWELA Technical Community

’s student population grows and conCollege play pivotal roles in Calcasieu and Cameron urn to the region following displaceparishes. SOWELA, an educational powerhouse, offers e recent storms, recent construction diverse degree nary, Gaming, and Hospitality build- programs, including a new facility for ew programs to serve the region, culinary, gaming and hospitality sectors, which helps rships with Chennault for mechanfortify the local workforce. With a growing student nd aviation support are ongoing. ms and studentbody, services,it’s suchprimed as pilot for expansion. dcare, fitness, and“The athleticrevitalization facilities, of the SOWELA/Chennault area B Potential future academic buildings, ster additional partnerships and

wth of the school. An initial priority Charles and Parish,” said SOWELA Chancellor parking walkable to campus withCalcasieu a en infrastructure. Dr. Neil Aspinwall. “The combination of a thriving airport

workforce development create a unique partnership that contributes greatly to the current and future economic prosperity of the region.” Chennault, an aerospace hub along the I-10 corridor, boasts industrial capabilities and extensive runways that can support aerospace giants, offering increased job opportunities, development and investment— reinvigorating the region. The airport is poised for growth but needs infrastructure improvements. “Just Imagine SWLA is of immense importance as it underscores the economic diversity Chennault contributes to the region and how it aligns with the workforce development that SOWELA provides,” said Kevin Melton, the airport’s executive director. “Chennault’s focus is to establish itself as a center of excellence in the aviation and manufacturing industries and the work of Just Imagine SWLA is a critical foundation to support Chennault’s efforts.” The Port of Lake Charles is interested in collaborating with Chennault and SOWELA on future development.

SOWELA's Culinary, Gaming Culinary,new Gaming, and Hospitality Building and growing technical community college both focusedSOWELA’s on $10.2M and Hospitality Building.

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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • November 2023


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