ARBC approves contractor for Upper Amite work and completes routine business

At the July 14 meeting, commissioners approved a fast‑track procurement to secure professional services for Upper Amite restoration, accepting the project committee’s recommendation to award the contract to the top-ranked firm, Resonance.

Paul Sawyer summarized the solicitation process: ARBC solicited proposals from contractors active in recent ARBC meetings, received four proposals, disqualified one for technical reasons, and had the project committee score and recommend a winner. Commissioner Quintmo moved to approve the committee’s selection and Commissioner Bailey seconded; President Clark called for any opposition and none was recorded.

The commission also approved routine business items without recorded opposition: prior meeting minutes, financial records for May and June, and the annual Louisiana compliance questionnaire required for audit review (motion by Commissioner Bailey, second by Commissioner Harris). Legal counsel Larry Bankston noted some questionnaire items are marked not applicable and the answers have been consistent with prior years.

Why it matters: The contractor selection advances ARBC’s ability to begin implementation work at the newly acquired Upper Amite property, while the routine approvals maintain the commission’s administrative and audit compliance.

Next steps: Staff will circulate procurement materials and the project committee’s solicitation documents to commissioners for review; the selected firm will begin work in accordance with the scope approved by the commission.