Drainage Committee approves series of culvert, outfall and canal projects; tables engineer contract question

The Assumption Parish Drainage Committee approved a slate of small-to-medium drainage projects on Thursday, authorizing culvert replacements, outfall cleaning, and material purchases while tabling a question about an engineering contract.

Committee action and why it matters: The approvals cover localized repairs — collapsed culverts, outfall cleaning, and purchase of piping for a pump station — that maintenance staff said are causing recurring flooding or safety issues. Committee members said some jobs are urgent and can be done with in-house crews or by contractors once quotes are obtained; others require stamped engineering plans.

Key approvals (summary): The committee voted to approve multiple projects including: - Culvert replacement and drainage repairs at 3700 Highway 1 ($4,850) — motion by Mr. Blanchard, second by Mr. Pearl; approved. - Culvert replacement at 115 French Lane ($790) — motion by Mr. Brophy, second by Mr. Patterall; approved. - Culvert replacement on Little Texas Road ($1,500) — motion by Mr. Bridal, second by Mr. Carter; approved. - Clean out outfall from Georgia Street to Georgia Plantation and Supreme (about $1,000) — motion by Mr. Blanchard, second by Mr. Bridal; approved. - Sweep/repair of a large outfall ditch (Economy 8 of Old Ditch) estimated $5,000 — motion by Mr. Brookes, second by Mr. Carter; approved. - Delivery cost for excavator on Project 93223 ($700) — motion by Mr. Carter, second by Mr. McTernan; approved. - Allocation of GO MESA funds to purchase 24-inch discharge piping for the Paul Street pump station (estimated $35,000) — committee directed staff to obtain three quotes and to use the parish procurement/bid process; approved.

Items requiring further engineering: Committee members emphasized that some outfalls and collapsed large-diameter outfalls require stamped engineer plans and trench safeguards (trench boxes) because of depth and proximity to highways. An item authorizing up to $32,025 for a principal engineering contract for Project 93229 (Ward 2 outfall) was discussed and tabled pending presentation of photos and additional details.

Process directions: The committee instructed staff to: - Request stamped engineer plans when work exceeds simple clearing or when structural replacement is needed. - Obtain three vendor quotes before purchasing large piping or specialized materials. - Log and track procurement of equipment and track project costs to avoid overruns.

Votes at a glance: All listed project motions were approved by voice vote; the transcript shows routine “Aye” responses and no recorded roll-call tallies.

Ending: The committee advanced multiple maintenance projects to address acute drainage failures and directed staff to secure engineering plans and vendor quotes for larger, higher-risk work.