Southeast Water District faces $715K shortfall on water treatment plant project

The Louisiana Legislature's Water Sector Commission meeting on April 29, 2025, focused on critical funding issues related to the Southeast Water District's water treatment plant project. Key representatives, including Todd Vasson from Sellers and Associates and Clint Duga, chairman of Southeast Water Works, discussed the financial challenges facing the project.

During the meeting, it was revealed that the project is experiencing a shortfall of over $715,000. This gap arose despite a value engineering effort aimed at optimizing costs. As a result, two of the three contracts for the project were awarded, while two alternates for additional site work were removed due to budget concerns.

The contractor for the water treatment plant has agreed to hold their bid for an additional 45 days, providing the district with a brief window to secure the necessary funding. The Southeast Water District has committed to match 51% of the grant amount initially applied for, which is crucial for moving forward with the project.

The discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges in securing adequate funding for essential water infrastructure projects in Louisiana, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration and financial planning among local government entities. The commission's next steps will likely involve exploring additional funding sources to address the budget shortfall and ensure the successful completion of the water treatment plant.