Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Parish authorizes land acquisition to widen drainage canal in Luling
Summary
Council approved ordinance 2026-0087 to allow purchase or expropriation of a 5.72-acre parcel at 400 Hackberry Street needed to enlarge a drainage canal; public-works staff said the canal enlargement would increase flow by roughly 30–40% and is a priority in the watershed plan.
The Saint Charles Parish Council unanimously adopted ordinance 2026-0087 on March 16, 2026, authorizing the parish to purchase or expropriate a 5.72‑acre parcel (portion of Lot B, Gasson Estate) at 400 Hackberry Street in unincorporated Luling to widen a drainage canal required for improved local drainage.
Parish counsel and public-works staff told council members the area is a high priority in the watershed plan and that the existing ditch is not large enough to handle planned drainage, including flows from the Kindler Paul Frederick project. Public‑works representative Bingham estimated the canal enlargement would increase conveyance by roughly 30–40 percent and said the work would elevate the feature from a ditch to a canal.
Councilmembers emphasized a preference for arms‑length purchases and negotiations with current property holders where possible; parish attorney explained expropriation would follow normal parish channels only after public‑need findings and valuation discussions. The motion passed unanimously; staff said they will pursue negotiations first but have council authority to secure needed property if negotiations fail.
