Council reviews parish request to share small costs for $12M Green Witch Terrace basin after state buyouts; residents press for transparency

Alberto Golan, speaking for the parish, outlined a parish‑managed project to convert the Green Witch Terrace buyout site into a 14‑acre dry‑bottom basin and passive park funded through a Louisiana Watershed Initiative grant. "The total project costs... a little over $12 million," Golan said, adding the construction work is 100% grant‑funded and is intended to provide both drainage improvements and park amenities for neighbors.

Golan said seven parcels were not acquired during the state buyout because officials were unable to make contact with owners; the parish estimates acquisition for the remaining parcels at about $240,000 total. He asked the council to cost‑share 50% of that acquisition estimate (about $120,000) and to split annual maintenance (estimated at roughly $115,000) three ways among the city, the parish and the gravity drainage district (roughly $38,333 each).

Jennifer Kobe, grants director for the Kaukashu Parish Police Jury, told the council the state’s LWI buyout program allocated about $30 million for buyouts and had been used for acquisitions to date. She clarified the $12 million basin grant is a separate grant for construction; ‘‘acquisition of remaining properties... is not eligible’’ under that program, she said.

During public comment, multiple residents raised concerns about program delays and the prior distribution of federal and state funds. Donald Hett said he had waited more than a year for an elevation grant to be completed and asked where previous funds went. "Where's all that money going? I know it was for the gravity drainage board, elevation and buyouts," he said, urging an audit and more transparency.

Council members asked staff to put precise language in the proposed ordinance for any cost‑sharing commitments (the parish asked that dollar and maximum caps be included). Staff summarized the request at the dais: up to $120,000 toward acquisition and a city maintenance commitment not to exceed $38,333 annually, with the ordinance to specify limits.

Parish and DOT/engineering staff said the basin would improve drainage but would not eliminate flooding risk. One council member noted similar projects (Louisiana Avenue) had reduced recurrent flooding in some locations but that no single intervention fully prevents extreme events. Staff said they will return ordinance language and recommended contract terms for council approval, and they will continue to coordinate community outreach and notification.

At several points residents asked for more time and for additional public information; staff said notices and updates would be provided and that the parish will pursue acquisition options, including expropriation only if direct contacts and voluntary acquisition fail.