WBRZ - Baton Rouge

THIBODAUX- An economic expert foresees strong growth in the Lafayette and Houma-Thibodaux areas over the next two years.

Loren Scott, a retired LSU economics professor, outlined his projections Thursday during a presentation in Thibodaux.

The Daily Comet reports that the forecasts are part of the "Louisiana Economic Outlook: 2013 and 2014," prepared by Scott and his colleagues.

Scott's forecast estimates Louisiana will reach 1.9 million jobs by the end of 2012 with 27,500 additional jobs in 2014.

Lafayette is projected to lead the state with a 6.9 percent increase in jobs over the two-year period. Houma is projected to receive a 6.2 percent gain; Lake Charles, 5.7 percent; Alexandria, 2.7 percent; Baton Rouge, 2.4 percent; Monroe and Shreveport, each 0.8 percent; and New Orleans, 0.6 percent.