Overhead view of the Port of ParmentierParmentier, Outannais|Mayor Citlali of Meridia met with Mayor Gaspard of Parmentier this afternoon to discuss what will be the largest regional
infrastructure project since the three trillion-franc Green Transportation Bill of 4996. The mayors of Parmentier and Meridia gathered to discuss a massive
expansion and modernization program for Lourenne's trade and tourist sectors in the western portion of the country. Meridia and Parmentier, being the two
most populated cities in western Lourenne, serve as the perfect destination for both tourists and companies seeking to re-route their trade or simply stop
to rest and refuel. Mayor Citlali of Meridia noted that most of the development that is being proposed by the Provincial Government of Outannais is aimed
towards already developed areas and modernization. Citlali and Gaspard however intend to establish new ports and services for communities in the west
that have not seen funds for years. The mayor duo actively lobbied provincial deputies to redirect the funds towards their chosen areas. After months of
discourse and debate in Parmentier, the provincial government of Outannais approved the plan endorsed by Gaspard and Citlali. Proposal 4D-9 was chosen
to further enhance trade and tourism to western Lourenne. Image of area chosen for development under Proposal 4D-9 (in yellow)According to the plan, billions of Lourennais Francs from the Outannais budget will be poured into tourism and development in western Lourenne, more
specifically towards areas that have access to the Anantonese Ocean. The Meridia Port Authority who has direct control over many of the ports in the
Meridia region stated that they were fully on board with the plan as much of the ports near Meridia, including Meridia's itself, were in dire need of repair
and modernization. The proposal will have all current ports expanded to accommodate more trade vessels and in some cases military vessels. Mayor
Citlali noted that several trade vessels from several nations were increasingly passing by Lourenne to refuel and complete exchanges than before. The
proposal will see that the ships coming to Lourenne from other nations will be able to access ports and port services without having to wait or move on
from Lourenne's waters. Gaspard noted that the expansions will generate billions in income to Outannais as the province's main economic activity is
based on trade, maritime services, and military services. Gaspard expects the modernization to be completed in Parmentier within 19 months. He
concluded that Parmentier, being the biggest port in western Lourenne, is already up to scale and only needs few modernization projects for improved
efficiency. The Provincial Government of Outannais however stated that the entire project could take up to three years to complete especially up north
where less developed areas and communities will be receiving funds to completely create new ports and docks to accommodate the increasing influx of
trade vessels in the Anantonese Ocean region.