Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Grant Management topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Water Sector Commission approves multiple deadline extensions, scope changes and a $2.62 million grant termination
Summary
At its February meeting, the Water Sector Commission accepted a $2,622,520 termination that returns funds to the program and approved a series of deadline extensions and scope reductions for local water and sewer projects across the state.
The Water Sector Commission on Thursday accepted the termination of a sewer grant for Assumption Parish Police Jury that returns $2,622,520 to the program and approved multiple deadline extensions and project scope changes for local water and sewer systems.
The returned funds came from an early round of awards, Tracy Watts, Division staff, told the commission: “They’re requesting to terminate their grant … The amount of the grant is 2,622,520. So that will be returned to the unobligated amounts.” The commission chair moved to accept the termination and, with no objection, the motion was adopted.
Why it matters: the returned money increases the pool available for other projects and factored into the commission’s subsequent approvals.
Most of the other votes were routine approvals of requested schedule changes or reductions in scope intended to keep projects within available budgets. The commission approved:
- A three-month extension for Saint Martin Parish Consolidated Waterworks District No. 4 to submit plans and specifications for one of five projects (new deadline May 30, 2025). The commission adopted the chair’s motion with no objection.
- An extension to advertise for bids for a Kenner sewer project (advertising moved from January to March 15, 2025) after officials said multiple bid questions raised concern that bids might exceed available funds; Senator Womack moved the approval and the motion carried without objection.
- A scope-reduction request from Jennings (water project) to bring work closer to available funding; Representative Boriak moved approval and the motion carried.
- A scope reduction and 60-day contract time extension for Kentwood’s sewer lining work after engineers reported unexpected pipe conditions and additional point repairs on a state highway; Onan White engineer Kate Guevara told the panel the extension requested was 60 days, and the commission approved the request.
- A scope change for Pointe Coupee Parish Waterworks District No. 1 that removes two booster/altitude-valve installations (found to be unnecessary after systems were connected) and reallocates funds to repair a cracked base elbow on the Lakeland tank, simplify yard piping, and pay for a water test well. Anna Gilbert of Owen and White and Chad Vosberg of Pointe Coupee Water District 1 described the consolidation and the discovered tank damage; Representative Lacombe moved approval and the motion carried.
- A request from Slidell to remove items from a sewer project so it would fit within available funds; project managers with Digital Engineering and the design firm explained the city reprioritized replacement of worn blowers over construction of a flow-equalization tank after bids came in well above estimates; Senator McMath moved approval and the commission adopted the motion.
The commission also approved additional funding requests for several projects (details in the actions list below). In each case staff summarized the reasons — higher-than-expected bids, unforeseen construction repairs, or changed priorities — and local officials described local matches or financing commitments.
What was not approved today: A request from Saint Bernard Parish for additional funding was discussed at length but deferred by commission motion so the parish can provide clearer bids and a consolidated cost picture before the commission acts. Neil Belmonte of Digital Engineering explained the parish has split a previously awarded grant into two phases (a high-service pump and a demolition/repiping phase); commissioners expressed concern about approving funds for the first phase without a clear funding path for the second.
Ending: Commission staff reported program-wide spending status: 229 active projects, many at various draw stages; 68 projects have not yet submitted pay requests. Watts said the division has issued at least one noncompliance letter and expects additional termination recommendations at future meetings if projects do not move forward. The commission took no public testimony and adjourned after completing the agenda.
