The news came Thursday with a burst of positive energy residents of St. John the Baptist Parish more than deserved.

Governor Bobby Jindal and First Bauxite Corp. of Canada President and CEO Alan Roughead announced a $200 million investment to develop a bauxite processing plant on the Mississippi River in Reserve.

Contingent on securing financing for the project, First Bauxite’s inclusion in the River Region’s growing industrial footprint would bring 100 permanent jobs.

It’s that business landscape and the supporting moves by local governments and school districts to lockdown safety and educational standards that inspired L’OBSERVATEUR’s latest project — “Resource: Inside The River Parishes.”

The special supplement, which will be included in Saturday’s newspaper, examines what our community’s leaders are doing to grow this region on all levels.

A dominant Port, international industry announcements, multiple hotel expansions and crucial road and interstate improvements highlight the fast-paced business climate in St. John Parish, a subject explored in “St. John’s Ascent” — the section’s lead story.

As this hurricane season gets into full swing, St. James Parish President Timmy Roussel explains how Hurricane Isaac was a major problem for his parish, particularly East Bank residents. In an effort to work out their drainage problems amicably, St. James and Ascension officials have formed a Joint Drainage Task Force to start the process for much-needed improvements.

In St. Charles Parish, school leaders are doubling down on their strong record by beginning construction of a new performing arts center on Judge Edward Dufresne Parkway in Luling.

The effort will expand and enrich performing arts in the school system while enhancing performance and educational opportunities for students and community members.

The initiative follows a St. Charles Parish government announcement this month that it was receiving millions of dollars of grant funding to complete upcoming drainage, flooding mitigation, wastewater and recreation projects on the East and West Banks.

The projects will be outlined in “Resource: Inside The River Parishes.”

In St. John the Baptist Parish, LaVerne Saulny has helped push the Economic Development Department by connecting with small business owners to showcase all the parish can do for them in an effort to foster two-way communication.

One of her main areas of focus at the moment is the West Bank of the parish. According to Saulny, the parish is in talks to possibly bring a Dollar General to the area, as well as nightlife opportunities.

To get a feel of what River Region leaders are doing to advance our community through all quality-of-life aspects, check out “Resource: Inside The River Parishes” in Saturday’s L’OBSERVATEUR.