Council approves change orders and drydocking quote; questions remain on pump-station funding

The Lafourche Parish Council on Jan. 13 approved multiple infrastructure-related actions, including a $195,706.38 change order for Courthouse Annex Hurricane Ida repairs and acceptance of a $205,999 Allied Shipyard quote for drydocking work on a bridge project.

Parish President Parrish told the council the Courthouse Annex change order addresses damaged hot-water piping and wiring discovered during renovation; he estimated about 97% of the work is eligible for FEMA and insurance reimbursement and said the parish would cover the remaining share. Change order #5 increases the contract by $195,706.38 and adds 21 days to the schedule.

The council also approved accepting Allied Shipyard's quote of $205,999 for the Bridal Rehabilitation Project (dry docking). Parrish described how the original capital plan had an initial general-contractor estimate near $1.7 million; later the bridge-only work bid about $800,000. He said remaining capital funds and funding sources (including road sales tax) mean the project should be completed for under $1.5 million.

Butch Hill pump station funding
Councilman Araby pressed for an update on the Butch Hill pump station, noting the item has been on council lists for years. Parrish said the project is fully engineered but not fully funded to go to bid; prior priority design funding ($300,000) and matching dollars were expended. He said about $17,000,000 is listed in a P5 status (an internal planning designation, not cash) and staff continue to seek state funding and CPRA inclusion to move the project forward. No new funding appropriation was made at this meeting.

Why it matters: Change orders and drydocking contracts affect construction schedules, budgets and public safety; the pump station serves drainage and flood-control functions and delay can increase future costs and local vulnerability.

Next steps
The parish president said staff will pursue additional funding sources for the pump station and hold contractors accountable for schedule delays (e.g., tracking Trane HVAC equipment delivery delays at the administration building). Implementation of approved change orders and contracts will proceed under administrative processes.