Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Water Sector Commission approves series of extensions and scope changes, declines one special funding request
Loading...
Summary
During the April 16 meeting the commission approved extensions and scope changes for multiple local projects (Sulphur, Faraday, Morroville, Tillis, Saint Mary Parish, New Roads, West Baton Rouge) and declined AME City's special request to be placed on line for $10 million if funds become available.
The Water Sector Commission on April 16 handled a bundle of routine and exceptional requests: it approved deadline extensions and scope changes for multiple local water projects, approved a small additonal award for New Roads, and declined AME City's special request for $10 million in contingent funds.
Commissioners approved the City of Sulphur's request to delay implementing a 7.5% rate increase until fiscal 2027–28, following testimony from Jennifer Thorne, Sulphur's finance director, who said debt service timing tied to a pending Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund payment justified phasing the increase. Senator Bass moved favorable and the commission approved the extension by unanimous consent.
The commission also approved a four‑year extension for the Town of Faraday (phase 2 state funds), a 30‑day bid‑advertising extension for the Village of Morroville (phase 2) while LDH finalized plans and specs, and a 90‑day extension for the Town of Tillis to secure USDA matching funds.
A requested scope change for Saint Mary Parish Water and Sewer Commission No. 5 (phase 1 ARPA) to replace undersized 2‑ and 4‑inch water piping with 6‑inch mains was approved with no additional funds requested; LDH raised no objections. The commission approved an increase of $35,190 for New Roads (local match $10,909) on a motion moved by Representative Moryak.
AME City asked to be placed in line to receive $10 million if supplemental funds are reallocated; AME representatives said the project is active, with a $34.3 million construction contract and current contractor billings averaging roughly $2 million per month. Commissioners said the request was outside ordinary procedure and advised the town to reapply in the next round; Senator Bass moved to decline the special request and the commission adopted the motion.
Finally, after staff located the missing item, the commission approved a six‑month extension for West Baton Rouge Parish to submit final plans, specs and cost estimates because land‑rights and permitting delays had required an alternate route that will save $275,000. The meeting adjourned after the chair closed the agenda.
