Council addresses infrastructure financing and development projects while major highway timeline slips to 2027
PORT ALLEN — The West Baton Rouge Parish Council approved a $9.16 million sewer system bond ordinance and adopted the 2026 budget schedule while addressing multiple development proposals during Thursday night’s regular meeting.
$9.16M Sewer Bond Approved
The council unanimously approved an ordinance authorizing the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority to issue revenue bonds not exceeding $9.16 million for parish sewer system improvements.
The bonds will mature within 30 years with an interest rate not exceeding 7% annually. Proceeds will finance sewer system improvements, fund reserve accounts, and cover bond issuance costs. The financing will be repaid from the general fund using sales tax revenues, not sewer user fees.
2026 Budget Schedule Adopted
Council members adopted a timeline for developing the 2026 parish budget, beginning September 1 and concluding with final adoption December 11.
The schedule includes departmental budget submissions due October 3, council receipt of budget copies October 9, special review meetings October 27-28, public hearing ordinance introduction November 13, and final adoption December 11.
Fire Department Budget Amendment
The council approved amendments to the 2025 Fire Department budget expenses. The changes reduce vehicle purchase allocations from $914,589 to $214,589 while increasing equipment purchases from $383,379 to $506,279, creating a net reduction of $577,100 in total fire department spending.
Development and Zoning Actions
The council addressed multiple zoning requests and development proposals:
Brittany T. Free Property (5855 Horner Road): Approved rezoning approximately 1.015 acres from Agricultural Large Scale to Agricultural Small Scale for proposed residential development.
Walter and Tiffany LeBlanc Property (5950 Rambin Road, Brusly): Approved rezoning 5.31 acres from Agricultural Large Scale to Residential Minor for subdivision development.
East West Landco Property (3790 Rosedale Road): The council voted to deny rezoning a 4+-acre portion from Residential Single Family to Agricultural with Special Use Permit for agricultural storage and distribution. The property is currently used for agricultural equipment storage and trailers during sugar cane harvest season under a special use permit that expires in May 2026.
Multiple residents spoke during the public hearing, citing concerns about truck traffic on Rosedale Road and proximity to Port Allen High School. Agricultural representatives testified that the facility serves over 50% of sugar cane tonnage transported to area mills and argued the operation provides necessary infrastructure for harvest season logistics.
The Planning and Zoning Commission had unanimously recommended denial with an 8-0 vote. The rezoning failed to achieve the required supermajority vote for master plan changes, receiving 5 yes votes, 1 no vote, and 1 abstention, falling short of the 6 votes needed. Councilmen Gordon and Joseph were absent, while Councilman Brady Hotard abstained from voting due to a family member’s economic interest in the development.
Ronnie Amon Jr. Property (6254 Padres Bayou Drive, Erwinville): Approved rezoning approximately 2 acres from Agricultural Large Scale to Agricultural Moderate Scale.
Major Subdivision Approved
The council approved preliminary plat approval for Sugar Pointe Lots 1-48, a 164.378-acre development on Rosedale Road. The subdivision includes 48 residential lots with waivers for block length standards. The project was recommended for approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
LA-415 Connector Project Faces Further Delays
Council members received an update on the LA-415 connector project. The project has a new DOTD project manager, with the 30% design submittal for the I-10/415 bridge portion expected September 9.
Officials reported that full engineering completion is projected for Q4 2026, with construction start estimated for Q1 2027. This represents a delay from previous estimates that had construction beginning in late 2025 or early 2026.
The $126.3 million project dates back to at least 1972 when it was first included in the parish master plan. The connector will construct a 3-mile, four-lane divided roadway extending south from I-10 at the LA Highway 415 exit, crossing the Intracoastal Waterway, and connecting to North Line Road and LA Highway 1.
The project will serve both as a daily commuter route and hurricane evacuation route for approximately 120,000 residents. While the current Intracoastal Waterway Bridge replacement project is underway with a new span in operation and the old bridges being demolished, the LA-415 connector will provide additional capacity and an alternate route for the corridor that handles over 44,700 vehicles daily.
The parish will not see the full project layout until the 30% submittal is completed.
Infrastructure and Maintenance Updates
The council received updates on parish infrastructure maintenance from Chief of Administration Phillip Bourgoyne. His report focused primarily on drainage work completed throughout August, including cleaning ditches, installing culverts, and repairing washouts across multiple locations in the parish.
Parish crews also assisted with state road maintenance when tall grass created dangerous conditions for citizens, though officials noted this is not standard practice.
Upcoming Meeting Schedule
The council canceled its July 10, 2025 meeting due to conference scheduling conflicts. The next regular meeting is scheduled for September 11 at 5:30 PM at the Parish Government Building, 880 North Alexander Avenue, Port Allen.
Additional items included correspondence noting a Board of Adjustments meeting September 2 at 5:00 PM and household hazardous materials collection October 25 from 8:00 AM to noon at Alexander Park.
The West Baton Rouge Parish Council meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 5:30 PM at the Parish Government Building, 880 North Alexander Avenue, Port Allen.
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