Work begins on Lafourche projects

Work has begun on $6 million in long-anticipated flood-protection and drainage projects in Lafourche Parish, Parish President Charlotte Randolph announced.

Two existing pump stations are being rebuilt near Raceland, and an existing bulkhead in Des Allemands is being replaced with a new structure. State and federal dollars are funding the projects.

Volute Inc., the Houma-based lead contractor for the District 1 of 12 pump station, will install two new 36-inch pumps, three new engines, new drainage basins, a diesel fuel system and sheet piling to reinforce the structure and adjacent levee. A third 36-inch pump already at the station will be repaired and reinstalled.

At the District 2 of 12 station, Low Land Construction, of Thibodaux, will install three new pumps, two new engines, a diesel fuel system, drainage basins and sheet piling.

Professional Engineering and Environmental Consultants Inc., of Westwego, designed both pump stations, which are scheduled for completion by the fall.

Combined, these projects cost $2.3 million and are funded through the Louisiana Office of Community Development Disaster Recovery Unit and Community Development Block Grants.

In Des Allemands, the existing bulkhead damaged by Hurricane Gustav will be revamped. About 2,000 feet of steel and vinyl sheet pile walls will be installed, adjoining West Bayou Drive will be reconstructed and the existing levee supporting the bulkhead will be reinforced with 650 tons of stone rip-rap.

The disaster-recovery project stemming from Hurricane Gustav will cost roughly $3.6 million.

Director of Public Works announces retirement

Lafourche Parish Public Works Director Kerry Babin will retire effective July 19, he told the parish council last week.

With slightly more than three years at the helm, Babin is the longest-tenured member of Parish President Charlotte Randolph’s council-appointed administration. He said the choice to move on was his, alone, and that he initially informed Randolph of his intentions in April 2012.

“This has been the toughest job I’ve ever had,” said Babin, who added that his only critique of Randolph is her persuasive power. She convinced him to stay on for at least an extra year, he admitted before saying now is “the right time to make the decision.”

Prior to the announcement, Babin glowingly presented 10 supervisors who work under his leadership to the council. He praised their round-the-clock efforts to maintain the parish’s drainage system and oft-damaged pontoon bridges, singling each one out for their efforts.

For example, when residents reported garbage trucks were bypassing their homes, the parish’s solid waste manager Jerome Danos retrieved the roadside trash himself, Babin said.

“I didn’t vote for you, but the job you did was outstanding,” Councilman Joe Fertitta said. “I’d vote for you 10-times over now.”

Fertitta was the one vote against hiring Babin in February 2010. Councilman Jerry LaFont, during his first meeting, was the sole vote against Babin when Randolph sought his reappointment for her current term.

Each councilman praised Babin, with some expressing hope Randolph can find a director as capable as they said Babin has proven to be.

“I ask all of your help in finding a replacement, please. It’s not that easy,” Randolph quipped.

Public Works’ fleet is bolstered

Nearly $800,000, largely in parish funds, has been infused into the Department of Public Works this year as the council has rubber stamped administrative requests for excavators, dump trucks, culvert cleaners and communication equipment.

Aside from a $25,560 expense for two culvert cleaners, all of the purchases were made with capital outlay money set aside from parish oil-and-gas royalty income.

The council approved purchases of three Kobelco excavators, ranging in reach from 22-40 feet, with drainage capital outlay funds. The largest has a $217,175 price tag. Combined, the excavators are listed at $436,887.60.

From roads and bridges capital outlay, the parish was authorized to purchase six Motorola radios, a tandem dump truck, and three Fort F-750 dump trucks at a combined $320,500.

Based upon projected costs in the 2013 enacted budget, the roads and bridges capital outlay purchases were made 22 percent under budget. Nearly $330,000 remains for roads and bridges capital purchases in the current fiscal year.