Livingston Parish council authorizes land purchase to pursue Amiek River public boat launch

The Livingston Parish Council on April 9 unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the parish to purchase two parcels—totaling roughly $46,058—to secure a planned free public boat launch on the Amiek River.

County official Mickey McMorris told the council that the state donated a large portion of land tied to the old bridge and that the purchased parcels are intended to complete the site needed for the launch, parking and related infrastructure. “Were purchasing for 46,000, but we got a a large amount of property donated from the state because the old bridge come over to us, and this is just to finish the project,” McMorris said.

Parish officials and consultants said one of the parcels is wetland and that an owner requested an additional $25,000 payment for loss of use; the administration said the appraisals supported the agreed price. Council members and staff emphasized that buying the land is an early step that helps the parish qualify for construction funding. “Total project, what were asking for is about a little over 7 and a half million,” one official said during discussion.

Council members said the launch would be the second free public boat launch in the parish and would support tourism and first‑responder access. The council expects to pursue grants through the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) and capital outlay to fund construction. The resolution passed 9‑0.

What's next: The purchase locks the parish to the site and staff said they will pursue cooperative agreements with DOTD, finalize grant applications and return with construction funding requests and project plans.