NEW ORLEANS — It was two big checks with two big purposes Wednesday morning.
“The protection from flooding, the protection of our infrastructure right here in the River Parishes,” said Democratic Congressman Troy Carter, whose district includes the River Parishes.
Congressman Carter handed over a million dollars in federal infrastructure grants, split between the Port of South Louisiana and the town of Lutcher.
“Although the River Parishes are small in nature, small in voting population perhaps, [they are] powerful in the impact they have on our region and our country,” said Carter.
As an economic anchor in the River Parishes, the port plays a big role in grain exports and moving imports up the Mississippi River. The port’s $500,000 portion is for a comprehensive drainage master plan.
“This plan is not just about fixing a few drain ditches or pipes,” said Carter. “It’s about taking a holistic approach to safeguarding businesses and the thousands of jobs they provide here.”
St. John Parish President Jaclyn Hotard says the timing is perfect. The flooding from Hurricanes Issac and Ida showed it was time for the parish to update its own plan.
“We will be able to mesh the findings from our comprehensive drainage plan that covers the entire parish with what the port is doing,” said Hotard.
In neighboring St. James Parish, Lutcher Mayor Patrick St. Pierre has been working for years to get King Avenue in better condition.
“It’s a major evacuation route that’s flooded 15 times over the last 30 years,” said St. Pierre.
It’s also the most densely populated and heavily traveled street in Lutcher. The town’s $500,000 portion will kickstart phase two of a three-phase project.
“It’s very vital that we try to get the road resurfaced and we’re going to actually have to lift the road up another 12 inches on the second phase of this project,” said St. Pierre.
Carter says the money isn’t just to improve infrastructure, it’s to help grow the economy and enhance quality of life in the River Parishes.
“The national economy depends so heavily on the hard work done here daily and it’s important that people understand the significant role that the River Parishes play in our overall economy,” said Carter.
