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Captial outlay funding helps St. Landry Parish projects continue
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ST. LANDRY PARISH, La. (KLFY) -- With capital outlay funding coming in from the state level, St. Landry Parish President Jessie Bellard says many of the parish improvement projects are now planned and within reach.
The nearly $8 million goes towards various projects with specific purposes.
Beginning with the long-discussed Nap Lane project to help with the issue of traffic and safety concerns.
"We have to widen the road. We've got to do drainage." said Bellard. "At 182 we're going to put a turning lane. So, it's going to help alleviate some of the problems for traffic right there. And then next year, we have $2.4 million coming to us to do the rest of Nap Lane all the way to the Lewisburg Road."
Another plan for the funding has to do with the former Moosa Memorial Hospital in Eunice, which was torn down just over a year ago.
Much of the property was demolished, with materials being recycled to use on other parish projects. However, one building in the back was able to be saved and will now be converted to better serve the community.
"We're going to convert that into office space." Bellard said. "One of the spaces is going to be for a Eunice community health center. They provide medication to the less fortunate in like seven parishes."
Bellard says funding is also provided for an additional hangar to be built to accommodate for the growing St. Landry Parish Airport.
Currently, Bellard says there are over 30 airplanes on the waiting list at the airport and adding that hangar will shorten the list while bringing new business to the parish.
Finally, Bellard has spoken on the extensive planning and budgeting that goes into drainage. Now, additional funding will keep those efforts moving forward.
"Senator Kennedy has stepped up this year and is asking for $1,000,000 to go towards drainage," he said. "It is going into subcommittee now. And once it gets out of subcommittee, then we have a shot at getting it. So, it looks pretty promising."
With recent budget cuts, Bellard says this funding couldn't come at a better time.