DeSoto Parish authorizes legal action over alleged fiber‑optic damage to parish infrastructure
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Summary
The jury voted to authorize the district attorney to pursue legal action against entities doing business as Swift Fiber over alleged damage to parish water infrastructure during fiber‑optic installation and rescinded previously granted permits pending remediation.
The DeSoto Parish Police Jury voted to authorize a resolution directing the district attorney to pursue litigation and injunctive relief related to alleged damage to parish water lines and other infrastructure during fiber‑optic conduit and cable installation by a company identified as MIP VI Outlier LLC (doing business as Swift Fiber/Swift). The resolution states that the jury believes operations have caused water‑service interruptions and subsequent boil‑water advisories, and it rescinds previously granted permits until the contractor complies with remediation obligations.
Counsel presenting the resolution said the measure would also permit the district attorney to take necessary legal action to protect parish infrastructure and residents; jurors approved the resolution by voice/roll call vote. Several jurors asked about state‑level coordination; counsel said other parishes have raised similar concerns to the state and that discussions were ongoing about how to address contractor practices at a higher level.
What happens next: The jury rescinded local permits described in the resolution and authorized the district attorney to proceed; staff indicated they will communicate the jury’s action to relevant state agencies and the contractor.
