Multifaceted plan best approach
Published 7:17 pm Saturday, July 15, 2017
It makes sense that residents who experience regular flooding in Calcasieu Parish want their immediate problems fixed. But they shouldn’t lose sight of the need to improve drainage over the long term.
Capital improvement projects, like drainage lateral upgrades and street-level work, should get done. Long-range improvements, like updating the parish’s code of ordinances, are equally important.
Allen Wainwright, parish public works director, told police jurors on Thursday that most residents want the capital projects done before any development ordinances are changed. But the best results will come from addressing all of these policies at the same time.
Wainwright told police jurors about the capital projects being considered. The seven regional watershed projects include five that would upgrade the capacity of drainage laterals, along with two regional detention ponds.
There are “at least 50” street-level drainage projects being considered, according to Wainwright. Other projects would address culverts or roadside ditches that are either undersized or don’t meet other minimum standards.
The big challenge will be funding the steep price tags associated with these projects. Wainwright said the regional projects will cost “$1 million to $10 million and on up.” The street-level projects have will cost “50,000 to $500,000,” he said.
Residents are going to have to understand that these drainage problems didn’t happen overnight. It’s not what they want to hear, but completing these capital projects will take years.
The parish also has to make sure new development won’t cause further flooding issues. That’s where the proposed changes to the parish code of ordinances come into play.
The Parishwide Drainage Liaison Committee will meet on Aug. 8 to get an update on the ordinances. The parish zoning board is set to discuss them Aug. 22, followed by possible action by the full Police Jury on Aug. 24.
Residents have done a good job of communicating their opinions and concerns with parish officials over the last few months. They should remain engaged as our elected officials continue to work through the complicated process of improving drainage for the entire parish.
