SHREVEPORT, La. — G-Unit is making major moves in Shreveport, and new details are emerging about the state-backed economic development project tied to Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson.
State leaders say his vision for Shreveport is moving forward.
This week, the panel overseeing the $50 million state investment received an update on G-Unit's projects, including Millennium Studios and Stageworks. State Sen. Sam Jenkins said G-Unit has already invested roughly $11 million into properties and production infrastructure.
"We're prepared to spend up to $50 million, which is the commitment that we made," Jenkins said. "The important thing here is to make sure that out of this we create an atmosphere here in Shreveport that's going to attract other industry-related companies, other businesses to this area."
The state is not writing a check upfront. Instead, Jenkins said the investment operates as a reimbursement model, with 50 Cent spending his own money on approved projects before the state reimburses those expenses.
The board approved nearly $2 million in reimbursements for design and engineering.
Also this week, officials said renovation of Stageworks could be complete by the end of the year, while work on Millennium Studios is now expected to wrap up by 2027 after flooding delays were resolved, according to Jenkins.
"My hope now, if we go through all of this, is that we would have something like a regional headquarters right here in northwest Louisiana for the film industry that would bring people in from around the country and, of course, would add to tourism dollars," Jenkins said.
Jenkins also said G-Unit announced a documentary honoring the victims of the April 19 mass shooting, calling the project a "very noble idea."