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Broussard council gives preliminary approval to $4.96 million DEQ loan for sewer extensions
Summary
The City of Broussard approved a resolution to pursue a $4,963,000 low-interest DEQ revolving loan (0.95%) to fund multiple gravity-sewer and lift-station projects; engineers warned federal environmental clearances and property procurement remain before construction.
The Broussard City Council on July 14 gave preliminary approval to a plan that would use a $4,963,000 low-interest loan from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to extend sewer service along multiple corridors.
Brennan Black, the city’s DEQ presenter, told the council the loan would be administered through DEQ’s revolving loan fund and carries an interest rate of 0.95%. “With this program, you just draw down funds as you need it,” he said, adding that the city must issue bonds to evidence the loan.
Why it matters: Council members were told the loan would allow the city to build gravity sewer lines and lift stations in developing corridors, which could encourage additional development where sewer service is not currently available. The package requires bond-commission approval and additional federal steps—preliminary engineering reports and environmental clearances—before funds can be drawn.
Engineers from Coengineering outlined the project scope. Daniel (Coengineering) summarized the work as a series of gravity-sewer extensions and lift stations tied to recent subdivisions and roadway corridors; he noted a federal floodway on Salvador Road that prevents construction within the floodway. Walter (Coengineering) cautioned that some stretches were made possible by developer upgrades and that right-of-way and environmental procurement remain unresolved.
Council action and next steps: The council moved, seconded and approved preliminary Resolution 907-26, authorizing staff to pursue the loan and bond steps. Brennan Black said the city expects to seek bond-commission approval on Aug. 20 and—if all federal clearances and DEQ conditions are satisfied—close on the financing in mid to late September. The related bond ordinance was introduced and will be brought back for adoption at a future meeting.
What remains uncertain: Staff said federal requirements must be met before final loan closing, and the project team still must complete design, property procurements for one segment and environmental work for floodway areas. No construction contracts or timelines beyond the projected closing window were adopted at the meeting.
