Engineers present $240,000 Phase 1 for parishwide drainage master plan; council signals support

An engineering firm outlined a parishwide Drainage Master Plan Phase 1 on Jan. 14, describing a six‑month data‑collection and scoping effort intended to produce hydraulic models, update antiquated ordinances, and identify projects for future phases.

Brooke Newland of CH|Finstermaker said Phase 1 would cost about $240,000, include stakeholder engagement (up to four meetings), extensive data review and modeling, and result in a prioritized project list to help the parish pursue CPRA and other grant funding. Newland said Phase 1 is intended to optimize spending in later phases and ensure projects meet benefit‑cost and modeling requirements used by state and federal funders.

Parish leadership and council members supported the effort and discussed funding options, including GOMESA dollars and CPRA partnerships. Several members emphasized the need for a living plan that is maintained across administrations, and for ordinance and design‑criteria updates to reflect current rainfall patterns and higher intensity events. Council members also asked about using prior local studies and models — the consultant said existing studies would be compiled and integrated as part of Phase 1 modeling.

Operational items mentioned in the president's report included near completion of the South Lewis Street improvements (substantial completion on the meeting agenda), Highway 90 sewer expansion at roughly 45% completion, and forthcoming work on lift stations and a new chlorination building. The administration highlighted a Jan. 22 State of the Parish presentation and a Feb. 5 SkyWarn class for volunteer storm spotters.

Council directed staff and the administration to pursue funding avenues and to return with any required documents; no final contract award occurred at the meeting.