Collection:LPB

Genre: Newsmagazine

Place Covered: Alexandria, Rapides Parish, Louisiana

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 1995-01-20

Duration: 00:13:14

Subjects: Economy | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Contributors:

• Collins, Robert Host
• Chapa, Arcie Reporter
• Randolph, Ned Interviewee
• Grafton, John Interviewee
• Scott, Loren Interviewee
• Meyer, James Interviewee
• Lawson, Myron Interviewee

This segment from the January 20, 1995, episode of the series “Louisiana: The State We’re In” features Arcie Chapa’s report on the unexpected economic success in Alexandria following the closure of England Air Force Base in 1992. She reports that the community created an independent authority in charge of economic development for the region and with the right to lease buildings on the site of the closed base. She interviews: Alexandria Mayor Ned Randolph; John Grafton, director of the England Authority; Dr. Loren Scott, LSU economist; James Meyer, commissioner for England Authority; and Myron Lawson, Rapides Parish Police Jury. Host Robert Collins then conducts an in-studio interview with John Grafton, director of the England Authority. He discusses Alexandria’s success in diversifying their economy following the base closure.