Council approves $230,502 amendment for Barber Road bank stabilization design

The St. Charles Parish Council on May 5 approved an amendment (file number 2025-0123) to the professional services agreement with Richard C. Lambert Consultants LLC, adding a not-to-exceed $230,502 and increasing the total contract to $609,146 for design services on the next phase of the Barber Road bank stabilization project (project P210702).

Why it matters: The project addresses an eroding canal bank adjacent to Barber Road, a segment that runs in front of a parish school and includes a culvert replacement over the Flux Canal at Whisner Street. Council members said the work has been discussed since 2021 and that phasing the project permits inclusion of construction funding in the 2026 budget.

Details: Staff said the amendment covers design and construction documentation for the section from Louisiana Street to the dead end in front of the school. The package also includes design to replace a failing culvert under the Flux Canal crossing Whisner Street. Councilman Fisher asked about phasing and whether additional phases will be budgeted; staff said one remaining phase is less critical and likely to be scheduled later.

Outcome: The ordinance passed unanimously. The administration intends to include construction funding for this phase in the 2026 budget.

Quote (from the record): “This is to design and construct the next section of this project,” staff said. Councilman Fisher: “We've been talking about Barber Road . . . since 02/2021.”

Where this goes next: Staff will complete the design work under the amended contract so construction can be considered in the 2026 capital budget.