Water Sector commission approves deadline extensions for three projects

The Water Sector Commission approved deadline extensions Tuesday for three water and sewer projects to allow additional time for plans, match documentation and consolidation agreements.

Heather Paul of the division told the commission Magnolia Plantation Water System requested an eight-month extension from the Oct. 7 deadline to provide plans and specifications for phase 2 and to submit local match documentation while the system awaits loan approval from the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH). "Phase 2 of their project is dependent on the completion of phase 1 before the plans and specs can be drawn up," Paul said. Todd Vincent of Sellers and Associates represented Magnolia at the meeting and did not answer questions about contractor availability; Paul said the system "hasn't received quotes or bids yet." Senator Jenkins moved to approve the extension, and the motion was approved by voice vote.

The commission also granted Pointe Coupee Parish Waterworks District No. 1 a 90-day extension from Oct. 7 to Jan. 7 to provide local match documentation and to complete a consolidation agreement, and it approved a six-month extension for the West Baton Rouge Parish sewer project to provide plans and specifications to LDH (new due date: April 7). Representative McFallon moved the West Baton Rouge extension; the motion passed by voice vote.

Commissioners framed the approvals as administrative adjustments to keep projects on track while limiting the risk of losing federal or state funds. No recorded roll call votes were entered in the transcript for these motions.

The commission meeting continued with additional project reviews and guidance changes.