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Public works update: storm repairs, new grinder and residents press for action on dusty Sugar Road
Summary
Public works reported storm-related repairs, equipment purchases including a 'zipper' grinder, limited SP2 rock funds, and reclaimed asphalt deliveries; a Sugar Road resident urged the council to address severe dust and offered contractor information.
Public works staff told the Natchitoches Parish Council on June 26 that crews have addressed storm-related blowouts, a washout at Caria (Carja) Hill, and other localized damage while continuing grading and ditch work.
The department reported material constraints: staff said the parish will not be able to rock every road this year due to budget limits and asked the council to prioritize sections for SP2 rock. Reclaimed asphalt donations were described informally on the record as two allotments of roughly 360 and 400 yards; staff said the donor would not deliver directly to the parish yard and the parish must identify local dump sites.
Public works also announced the arrival of a new 'zipper' road grinder and discussed a planned public demonstration (council members suggested Cat Allen Road). The department described how crews will grind old blacktop, regrade and compact the ground-up material and then roll and wet it to form a driving surface as a lower-cost alternative to full resurfacing.
During the visitor period, resident Paul Cormaine urged action on Sugar Road, which he said has deteriorated from blacktop to a gravel surface and produces persistent dust clouds that affect as many as 55 households. Cormaine said a private company called 'Midwest' told him it could treat an 18-foot-wide, mile-long stretch for $20,000; council staff asked for the company's contact information so they could investigate the proposal.
Quotes from the record include the department's description of the grinder's arrival: "We got our zipper. It's ready to start grinding some roads," and the visitor's note: "They could do it for $20,000." Council staff indicated they would inspect Sugar Road and evaluate contractor proposals before making commitments.
Councilors and staff noted a longer-term grinding schedule under consideration for 2025–26 and said engineers will survey more extensive reconstructions as funding allows. No immediate contract or funding decision for Sugar Road treatment was made at the meeting; staff were directed to follow up with the resident and share contractor information for evaluation.
