Daniel Joseph Becnel
June 20, 2008June 25
June 25, 2008The Wingate Inn being constructed on Martin Luther King Boulevard in Houma is among several Houma-area businesses applying for Enterprise Zone tax refunds from the state through the Terrebonne Economic Development Authority, said TEDA business expansion director Katherine Gilbert at the organization’s board meeting last Wednesday.
Enterprise Zone benefits are awarded by the Louisiana Department of Economic Development to businesses locating within high unemployment or low-income areas.
Wyndham Hotel Group, the operator of Wingate Inns, is sinking $4.7 million into the development, Gilbert said. Wyndham, the world’s biggest hotel franchiser, operates Days Inn, Ramada, Howard Johnson and Travelodge besides Wingate.
TEDA is also applying for Enterprise Zone benefits for Gulf Coast Manufacturing’s new $5 million facility on West Main Street in Houma. Gulf Coast builds wire line equipment used to service oil wells.
Other businesses seeking Enterprise Zone benefits through TEDA are Chet Morrison Contractors and Chicago-based Grainger Industrial Supply, which is building a facility on Louisiana Highway 311 near St. Charles Street.
Sweet Creations bakery in Houma is applying for low-interest revolving loan funds through TEDA, said outgoing staff member Ellis Bonaventure.
