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Council backs LGAP grant application to renovate police criminal investigations building
Summary
The Natchitoches City Council adopted a resolution supporting a Louisiana Office of Community Development Local Government Assistance Program grant application to fund renovations to the police criminal investigations division building. Staff described needed ADA, security and evidence-storage improvements.
The Natchitoches City Council voted to support a grant application to the Louisiana Office of Community Development’s Local Government Assistance Program (LGAP) to fund renovations at the Natchitoches Police Department’s criminal investigations division building.
Why it matters: City staff and police leaders said renovations would improve ADA access, secure evidence storage and provide indoor space for vehicle and property searches that are now sometimes conducted outdoors. LGAP awards for cities in the 5,000-to-35,000 population range can provide up to $50,000 for eligible capital or infrastructure projects; staff said they intend to apply for the maximum in that category.
Details: Council adopted Resolution No. 18 of 2025 authorizing Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr. to sign and submit the LGAP application on behalf of the city. Police leadership described the building’s needs in detail: making the front area ADA compliant, improving driveway access, adding perimeter fencing and a secure compound for vehicles and evidence, and improving interior spaces for interviews and evidence handling.
Police staff said the building is city-owned and near the railroad crossing on East Fifth (address described in the meeting as “200 [as you go over the railroad tracks]”); the location has network connectivity due to adjacent city infrastructure (ADM and water treatment facilities), which staff said supports future operational upgrades.
Chief Collins (police) explained the operational benefits: “This will give us the opportunity to have a bigger area to conduct searches and also have the additional storage space,” he said, explaining that evidence sometimes must be held until court or district attorney authorization for release.
Staff noted previous investments in the facility and said some current occupants cannot modify the current space because of prior use agreements, so moving or renovating the city-owned building would enable required changes.
What’s next: Mayor Williams is authorized to sign the LGAP application; staff and the police department will prepare the grant application materials. Council members recorded a unanimous roll-call vote in favor of Resolution No. 18.
Ending: The council expects to follow up with grant outcomes and future capital and budget steps if the LGAP award is successful.
