Opelousas engineer outlines water-system projects, $25 million loan plan and $5 million grant application

City engineers reported progress and delays on several water and sewer projects at the Jan. 14 meeting and updated the council on financing options tied to an LDH loan.

The engineer, identified in discussion as Mr. Geovitis, said the city faces electrical and design complications at the water treatment plant that have slowed final designs. He said the city is designing three priority projects for a roughly $25 million loan that would fund distribution system work, well rehabilitation and a ground storage tank adjacent to the existing tank.

“We applied for a $5,000,000 water sector grant on behalf of the city,” the engineer told the council, noting that the grant would require a city match. He said the match is roughly 51% of the grant package and that the match funds would likely come from the LDH loan proceeds if the loan closes. The engineer said the city’s immediate objective is to complete design work and close the loan so construction can begin.

The engineer said phased work would prioritize leak-prone galvanized steel lines, beginning in the Royal Gardens area and moving through other neighborhoods based on condition and priority. He estimated submitting plans for the well-rehabilitation portion within about two weeks and the ground-storage-tank design about a month after that, with bids to follow; he said a rough timeline for moving to bid could be about three months if permitting proceeds on schedule.

The council accepted the engineer’s report by roll call, 6-0. Alderman Charles Cummings moved to accept the report and Alderman John Gilbo seconded.

The council asked city staff to continue coordinating with the city’s financial adviser and the LDH to keep the project timeline on track.