Budget committee recommends $767,368 in gaming‑fund grants for wells, radios, senior center and events
May 22, 2026 | Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana
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The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury accepted the budget committee’s recommendations on May 21, approving gaming‑fund grants that total $767,368.
The committee recommended these allocations from the gaming fund: $400,000 to Waterworks District No. 1 (Ward 1) for a new water well serving a water‑treatment facility; $133,368 to Waterworks District No. 4 (Ward 4) for a water‑meter replacement project; $64,000 for portable radios for the Iowa Police Department (Ward 8); and $100,000 for the town of Iowa’s senior and community center project (Ward 8). The committee also recommended $20,000 and $25,000 awards for economic‑development support tied to the 2026 LHSAA state softball and baseball championships, respectively, and $25,000 for the parish to host the 2027 Southwest District Livestock Show and Rodeo in Lake Charles.
"This is the end of my report, mister president, and I recommend and I move as recommended by the committee," said the committee representative, whose motion to accept the report was recorded as made by Juror Bartje and seconded by Juror Whitler; the jury carried the motion.
Why it matters
The allocations support public infrastructure (waterworks), public‑safety equipment (police radios), community services (senior center) and local events that the budget committee said produce economic activity in the parish. Juror Whitler noted the livestock show and rodeo's substantial local economic impact during a separate recognition item.
What’s next
The jury’s acceptance authorizes staff to proceed with disbursement and any procurement steps tied to the grants; the finance office or committee will report back on disbursement timing and any vendor selection steps.
The committee recommended these allocations from the gaming fund: $400,000 to Waterworks District No. 1 (Ward 1) for a new water well serving a water‑treatment facility; $133,368 to Waterworks District No. 4 (Ward 4) for a water‑meter replacement project; $64,000 for portable radios for the Iowa Police Department (Ward 8); and $100,000 for the town of Iowa’s senior and community center project (Ward 8). The committee also recommended $20,000 and $25,000 awards for economic‑development support tied to the 2026 LHSAA state softball and baseball championships, respectively, and $25,000 for the parish to host the 2027 Southwest District Livestock Show and Rodeo in Lake Charles.
"This is the end of my report, mister president, and I recommend and I move as recommended by the committee," said the committee representative, whose motion to accept the report was recorded as made by Juror Bartje and seconded by Juror Whitler; the jury carried the motion.
Why it matters
The allocations support public infrastructure (waterworks), public‑safety equipment (police radios), community services (senior center) and local events that the budget committee said produce economic activity in the parish. Juror Whitler noted the livestock show and rodeo's substantial local economic impact during a separate recognition item.
What’s next
The jury’s acceptance authorizes staff to proceed with disbursement and any procurement steps tied to the grants; the finance office or committee will report back on disbursement timing and any vendor selection steps.
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