$4.6 million Bayou Boyle Detention Pond funding approved by House/Senate Committee

04/12/2023 by

Detention basins identified by blue circles. Blue line-Panama Canal; Red line-Bayou Conway; Green line-Boyle Bayou

According to a release from District 58 Representative Ken Brass:

On Monday the Joint House/Senate Transportation Committee approved the 2023-2024 LA Statewide Flood Control Program which includes funding for two Ascension Parish drainage projects.

  • West Ascension Drainage Improvements – $3.2 million (Donaldsonville)
  • Bayou Boyle Regional Detention Pond – $4.6 million (Gonzales)

Also, the Joint Committee approved the 2023-2024 LA Highway Priority Program which includes over $100 million of funding for projects that will improve/expand bridges, highways, railroads within District 58.

Brass’ District 58 includes parts of Ascension, the west bank and Darrow, as well as part of Iberville and St. James.

The Joint Committee also addressed the long-awaited roundabout project, an overly optimistic Representative Brass asking for a construction timeline.  DOTD Secretary Eric Kalivoda confirmed that the work would be done, promising public meetings to keep citizens apprised of progress (or lack thereof) without providing dates.

Barriere Construction Co. was the low bidder, a fact announced on March 20 at the end of a Gonzales City Council meeting though it is unclear if the contract has been let.  Dr. Kalivoda explained that the Edwards administration is recommending $157 million in surplus funds be allocated to the Highway Priority List to “close the gap” created by 30% inflation rate in construction projects.

Much of the Joint Committee’s time was spent on proposed passenger rail, including a line linking New Orleans to Baton Rouge with a stop in the City of Gonzales among others.  A lot of work still to do, Dr. Kalivoda predicted operation of the passenger rail to commence late in the 2024-25 fiscal year.

Gonzales, which already has a station according to Vice Chair John Spain of the Southern Railway Commission, is in line for a $5 million federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant.

 

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