A local economic engine is running well it seems. Kansas City Southern Railways has plans to expand. While the expansion is small, it holds big possibilities. Caddo officials say the company is purchasing land that is part of the North Shreveport Industrial Park, which has seen some growth itself. KCS will put a new set of rails on the land. Public works director Robert Glass says they need the space.

 "Rail traffic is increasing, and Shreveport is the hub of their entire line, " he said. "It's the main cog in their system. All their traffic flows through Shreveport."

Glass says KCS will only spend around $60,000 for the property. The cash will be split between Shreveport and the parish. The expansion could bring more jobs to the area.

"They did speak about new jobs," Glass said. "They couldn't say exactly how many. It's just been growing over the last few years. Their presence here has gotten larger."

KCS should begin to build the new rail lines in late spring.