Editor’s Note: This is the second in a three-part series on the LC REBOUND tax consolidation program.

Over the next 10 to 12 years, the city of Lake Charles hopes to complete a wide array of infrastructure, quality-of-life and community projects.

LC REBOUND is the city’s new bond proposal, the tax neutral consolidation of four sales taxes into two. If it passes during the November election, city officials say it will lead to a series of transformative investments.

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter said the hard infrastructure projects will work in tandem with the drainage project that has been underway since 2017.

“Right now, in the city of Lake Charles, it is not hyperbole to say that we have the most aggressive drainage improvement program underway … this is a proactive and constant effort, but very important for LC REBOUND. Every time we build a new road or reconstruct a road in 2023, we improve drainage because we are using modern drainage philosophies in the engineering and construction of those roadways.”

The first of these are the Mid-City Ryan Street beautification, Prien Lake Road beautification and La. 14 resurfacing and beautification projects that include replacing concrete with greenspace to improve drainage, planting trees and enhancing landscaping and decorating pavers at intersections.

The Mid-City Ryan Street project will incorporate West Sallier to McNeese streets and is estimated to cost $4 million.

The Prien Lake Road project includes Ryan Street to La. 14, and is estimated to cost $2.25 million.

The La. 14 resurfacing and beautification aligns with the state’s plan to resurface La. 14, and will improve the aesthetics from Power Centre Parkway to Fitzenreiter Road. The project’s estimated cost sits at $14 million, with the city’s portion being $4 million. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development will be a funding partner.

All three of these projects will be included in the Signage Enhancement Incentive pilot program. The city has ordinances in place that require property owners to install proper signage. The incentive program will reward property owners who follow the signage standards set by the city’s planning department with rebates of $5,000 or 25 percent, whichever is less.

Hunter said these rebates will lead to updated monument-style signage, improved aesthetics and eliminate visual litter and blight.

Like the other beautification infrastructure projects, the Sen. J Bennett Johnston Beautification — from Interstate 210 to Merganser Street — will include decorative enhancements and drainage solutions. However, it will also lead to an improved gateway to Chennault International Airport and Sowela Technical Community College.w

The estimated total project cost is $250,000.

Interstate 10 beautification and blight eliminations are planned, in which the city would purchase small properties with blighted structures throughout the I-10 corridor with the intention of converting the blight into beautification — such as landscaping and public art displays.

Other beautification projects include Mid-City Enterprise Boulevard and Mid-City 5th Avenue, both including 12th Street to Prien Lake Road and both at an estimated cost of $500,000.

The intersection of Louisiana Avenue and Enterprise Boulevard will also see improvements leading to better traffic flow and enhanced safety.

A major (and long-awaited) hard infrastructure project is the County Club Road expansion. This $50 million project will expand the road to a four-lane from University to Nelson and a three-lane from Nelson to Ihles roads.

The city plans to contribute $15 million to this project, with local, state and federal funding partners contributing to the project. The city’s portion will fund the engineering and right-of-way acquisition.

West Sale Road will also see major improvements through “complete reconstruction” from Ryan to Lake streets, Hunter said.

This project will also include the installation of sidewalks and drainage upgrades, with an estimated total project cost is $11 million.

The Nellie Lutcher Parkway Streetscapes project, estimated at $10 million, will span Enterprise Boulevard from Broad to Pryce streets and will include similar beautification efforts and drainage upgrades.

The aesthetic improvements will emulate Downtown Ryan Street and will complement the Nellie Lutcher Memorial Park.

West Sallier and 12th Street improvements will involve reconstruction from Lake Street to Enterprise Boulevard, including drainage upgrades, beautification, intersection upgrades, and a designated bike lane. The project intends to address safety concerts due to the railroad and will connect with the Nelson Road extension bridge and create new gateways to Downtown and Mid-City; the estimated cost is $25 million.

The Enterprise Boulevard Extension Completion — estimated to cost $26 million — and the bike trail project will lead to a better connection between Downtown Lake Charles and other corners of the city, the mayor said. The bike trail — which will connect Lake Charles from Riverside Park to Prien Lake Park with eight miles of trail — has been a long-term goal for the city, Hunter said

In addition to the bike trail, this project includes drainage improvements, aesthetically pleasing landscaping and pedestrian-friendly implementations. The completion of the bike trail does not come at additional cost and will be completed in tandem with other projects, Hunter said.

The last of the hard infrastructure projects include two $2 million city-wide efforts: sidewalk and street median repairs and smart traffic signals.

The final design for all of the hard infrastructure and beautification projects will rely on resident input through public meetings, hearings and comment periods.