Thibodaux to buy police equipment, upgrade water treatment plant

The City of Thibodaux has plans to use allocated federal dollars to purchase police equipment and upgrade one of the water plants in the city.

As part of the 2009 stimulus package, the U.S. Department of Justice has awarded the city $61,638 through the Recovery Act Edward Byrne Memorial Assistance Grant program for upgrades at the Thibodaux Police Department.

The city will also receive $35,714 from the state as part of the Community Water Enrichment Fund program. Mayor Charles Caillouet said the fund will be used for upgrades to the Thibodaux Water Treatment Plant No. 3.

At last week’s meeting, the Thibodaux City Council sent a resolution to the state Office of Facility Planning and Control asking for assistance with the Tiger Drive Bridge Replacement project.

Caillouet said the project is estimated to cost $3 million.

The city is looking for the state to award Thibodaux with $350,000 in capital outlay funds for the planning and construction of the bridge replacement project.

The city also wants to construct a 12-foot sewer transmission line along East Bayou Road and Glenwild Drive in Thibodaux.

However, former Public Works Director Kermit Kraemer told the council that the city must enter into a servitude agreement with the property owners to go ahead with the construction plans.

J.B. Levert Land Company, American Sugar Cane League, M&M Bayouside and Jude Guidry are the property owners for the area located at 204 through 212 East Bayou Road

J.B. Levert Land Company also owns the Glenwild property. The council approved last week the mayor executing a servitude agreement.