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Transportation and Drainage warns of slower sign and signal service, urges new revenue for drainage projects
Summary
Presenter for Transportation & Drainage told council that personnel reductions and equipment limits will slow sign replacement, traffic‑calming studies and overnight signal monitoring; the department highlighted federal grants and a $29 million Wards Creek channel project but said ongoing drainage maintenance requires a new revenue source.
The Transportation & Drainage presenter told council that reductions in staffing and equipment will slow several visible services — sign replacement, restriping and traffic‑calming studies — and that overnight signal monitoring and emergency callouts will be limited to critical intersections.
He said the agency has reduced positions (moving from 108 to 68 in recent cycles, with 11 positions currently frozen) and will prioritize traffic‑control signs tied to safety while deferring lower‑priority replacements. He also said the parish operates about 470 traffic signals and that some follow‑up coordination is under way with the City of Saint George to clarify which jurisdiction is responsible for signals and restriping within the newly formed city.
On drainage, the presenter highlighted progress funded by federal grants and listed seven stormwater projects submitted for capital outlay. He emphasized a recent win — roughly $29 million for Wards Creek realignment and channel improvements — and said further maintenance and matching funds will require a new revenue source if the parish is to sustain pipe cleaning, inlet repairs and other stormwater work.
Council members asked about restriping, signal responsibilities with Saint George and progress on cleaning drainage outfalls; the presenter said major outfalls have been cleaned and that complaints have been far fewer than during previous flood events, though additional pipe cleaning and inspections remain.
The presenter concluded that the parish will continue to pursue grants and federal funding but that long‑term drainage reliability likely requires dedicated new revenue.
