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Legislators

LSU to Receive $3.5 Million for Equestrian Center Purchase Despite University's Lack of Request

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Louisiana legislators have allocated $3.5 million in state funds to LSU to purchase the 200-acre Copper Crowne Equestrian Center in Opelousas, a facility owned by Harold Forman. The center, valued at $7 million, is made up of a veterinary clinic, barns, an arena, a training track, a rehab facility, and foaling and boarding facilities. Senate President Cameron Henry stated that the facility is "vital" to the horse racing industry and that LSU's purchase is necessary to keep it open. LSU Vice President John Walters confirmed that the university did not request the facility's purchase, but Henry believed it would be more beneficial for LSU due to its veterinary school and AgCenter.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Louisiana state legislature allocated $3.5 million to LSU to purchase the Copper Crowne Equestrian Center, a 200-acre facility in Opelousas.
  • The university did not request the purchase, but Senate President Cameron Henry believed it was necessary to keep the facility open.
  • The facility is valued at $7 million, and the state will cover half the asking price, with the other half being donated to LSU.
  • The center includes a veterinary clinic, barns, an arena, a training track, a rehab facility, and foaling and boarding facilities.
  • LSU Vice President John Walters discussed the purchase with Henry, but the university did not approve the acquisition.
  • Oliver Garden, dean of the LSU veterinary school, stated that the school has various potential uses for the facility.
  • The purchase is contingent on Gov. Jeff Landry not using his line-item veto power to remove the allocation from the state budget bill.

Statistics:

  • The state allocated $3.5 million for the purchase of the Copper Crowne Equestrian Center.
  • The facility is valued at $7 million.
  • LSU will receive $1.75 million (half of the asking price) from the state for the purchase.
  • The other half of the center will be donated to LSU.
  • The facility spans 200 acres and features a veterinary clinic, barns, an arena, a training track, a rehab facility, and foaling and boarding facilities.

Sources:

  • "Louisiana legislators voted to give $3.5 million in state funds to LSU to purchase a horse facility which the university did not request. " (The Advocate)
  • "GET THE MORNING HEADLINES. SUBSCRIBE (https://lailluminator.com/donate/?oa_referrer=midstorybox)" (The Illuminator)
  • "Louisiana's Larger $50 Billion Budget Plan Passed Thursday" (Various news sources)

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