Top Louisiana construction projects

Projects run the gamut in annual ranking

By Sam Barnes

Louisiana Contractor is pleased to present its eighth annual "Top Projects" listing, which ranks by contract cost those projects that broke ground in 2002.

To accurately reflect the diversity of the state's construction market, the Top 10 rankings were arranged within three market sectors: industrial, infrastructure and public/private building. For the third time, we have also created Top 5 rankings for each of Louisiana's four geographic regions.

Sources used during the research phase for the list include Dodge Reports, published by F. W. Dodge, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies; the Louisiana Department of Economic Development; and back issues of Louisiana Contractor. Every effort was made to obtain accurate and complete project information, including verification with both project owners and general contractors.

In addition, "drafts" of the rankings were sent to Associated General Contractors, the Louisiana Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors, the Louisiana Chemical Association and other sources believed to be reliable.

Please note the projects began their construction phase, or broke ground, in 2002. Therefore, there may be some sizable active projects that are not included in the list.

Projects that begin construction this year are eligible to be considered on next year's list, should they qualify. Qualifying projects that broke ground in 2001 were listed in last year's ranking, which was published in June 2002.

We would like to thank those companies and owners that cooperated in this annual effort. They are the ones that make these lists possible.