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Jeff Davis EDC hears updates on EV chargers, I‑10 service road, $2.2M Lake Arthur water project and local business openings
Summary
Commissioners learned that EV chargers were installed in Welsh and a DEQ reimbursement is pending, the I‑10 service road extension is nearly complete, a $2.2 million Lake Arthur water project will start soon, and several new businesses and events were announced.
The Jeff Davis Economic Development Commission received multiple local project updates at its Aug. 13 meeting, including the installation of electric vehicle chargers in Welsh, nearing completion of an I‑10 service road extension and a planned $2.2 million water project in Lake Arthur.
Karl Arceneaux, mayor of Welsh, reported that EV charging stations have been installed behind Welsh City Hall; Linda LeBlanc said the commission has submitted a reimbursement request to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and payment is pending approval. Arceneaux also said work to extend the service road on the south side of I‑10 will be completed soon and that a gas station on the north side of I‑10 is scheduled to open.
Cesilee Oliver, the commission's EDC director, outlined recent stakeholder outreach, meetings, grant applications and projects and noted that staff are pursuing several requests for proposals. The commission discussed a request for a zoning change to site an event center in an agricultural/residential zone and chose to remain neutral and defer final action to the Police Jury.
Mayor Poncho LeJeune of Lake Arthur told the commission that a $2.2 million water project is about to start in Lake Arthur and that a new Tiger Mart will open soon. Will Hetzel reported a new business called "Hunt Repellent" opened in Elton, and Jeanne Boudreaux invited attendees to the Jeff Davis Chamber ribbon-cutting Aug. 21. Carter Prejean outlined upcoming community events including a Stearman event on Oct. 4 and a Fall Flea Fest on Nov. 1. Kendal Henry said Ice Industries plans a grand opening Oct. 14.
Ronnie Petree urged greater outreach to potential investors for industry recruitment in the parish. Mayor Henry Guinn of Jennings raised logistics and infrastructure concerns, saying the parish will need climate-controlled warehouses for possible short-term rentals related to liquefied natural gas projects and suggested expanding roads near ShopRite, Hebert's and Burger King to support increased freight and traffic.
The commission recorded the updates and left zoning decisions to the Police Jury; no formal policy changes were made during the meeting.
