Lafayette, LA – The Lafayette City-Parish Council is preparing for a pivotal meeting this Tuesday, with several important items slated for discussion. Among the key topics are funding for local infrastructure, public safety, and addressing the ongoing opioid crisis.
Funding for MLK Recreation Center Upgrades
A proposal to allocate $1.4 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will be on the agenda. The funds, which are part of the Disaster Recovery Program, are intended to upgrade the Martin Luther King (MLK) Recreation Center. The council is considering transforming the facility into an emergency response hub, aimed at providing support during and after major storms. If approved, the upgrades could significantly enhance the community’s ability to respond to future natural disasters.
School Resource Officers for Lafayette Renaissance Charter Schools
The council will also consider a proposal to hire school resource officers for the three Lafayette Renaissance Charter Schools: the Academy, Middle School, and High School. The officers would be POST-certified deputy marshals. The Lafayette City Marshals and the Lafayette Marshals Foundation have pledged their support for both the costs and training associated with this initiative. The move comes as part of a broader effort to increase security and ensure the safety of students and staff across the district.
Transfer of Funds for Traffic and Pavement Projects
In an effort to further improve local infrastructure, the council will discuss transferring $250,000 from the traffic signal upgrade account to the pavement markings account within the Traffic, Roads, and Bridges Department. This funding shift is aimed at bolstering ongoing traffic and pavement projects, ensuring that critical roadwork can continue without delays.
Opioid Health Crisis Response
Finally, the council will address the opioid health crisis in Lafayette Parish. Following a national settlement with pharmaceutical distributors and producers, the state of Louisiana will receive funds intended for opioid remediation efforts. The City-Parish Government is allocating $434,576 from these funds. Of that amount, $333,900 will be directed to the 15th Judicial District Court to cover operating expenses related to opioid abatement, while $100,676 will go to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to fund a study on the impact of the opioid crisis on the local criminal justice system.
As the meeting approaches, local leaders are preparing for a busy session, with the potential for significant decisions that will affect public safety, infrastructure, and the community’s response to the opioid epidemic. The public is encouraged to attend and stay informed on these important issues.