This year, the parish made $90 million in investments, including $59 million total investment in public work projects, $11 million in parks and recreation projects and $9 million in waterworks projects.
Some of the major projects included the Montz Pumpstation #1 for 13.4 million, the West Bank D Clarifier Upgrade for over $2.7 million and the East Bank Bridge Park renovations for $4.9 million.
Francesca Blanchard, a spokesperson for the parish, said the more than 40 projects that were bid, constructed or completed this year all served a critical need in the community.
“These investments ranged from enhancing amenities and improving the quality of life, to repairing Hurricane Ida–related damage in ways that improve long-term resilience, to replacing aging infrastructure and positioning the parish for future growth,” Blanchard said.
Many of this year’s projects, especially in the public works and drainage sectors, addressed longstanding problems that residents have endured for decades.
“In Montz, we are constructing the first permanent pump stations, which will provide more than three and a half times the capacity of the temporary system currently in place,” Blanchard said. “Destrehan has had a known conveyance issue for four decades, and we broke ground on the CN Railway Jack and Bore project earlier this month, which will finally resolve that problem.”
Funding for many of the projects completed this year involved outside funding.
“Some funding was from state or federal grants, some projects received state funding, and some – like our East Bank Bridge Park and Bethune Park renovations – were made possible by gifts from local industry partners,” Blanchard said.
In 2024, the parish did a little over $100 million in improvements. Blanchard said the parish intends to carry the momentum in 2026.
“Several major projects are planned or moving forward, including the Kinler Lift Station Rehabilitation, completion of upgrades at the Destrehan Wastewater Treatment Plant, expansion of the Primrose Canal Improvements, construction of the Des Allemands Boat Launch, and many additional projects that will continue to strengthen our infrastructure,” she said.
Blanchard said the parish is committed to ensuring that St. Charles Parish’s infrastructure and public amenities are among the best in the region.
“Each year, we proactively budget for improvements, and our Grants Office works to secure outside funding that stretches local dollars further, allowing us to accomplish more,” she said. “While some parishes wait years to address failing infrastructure, we take a proactive approach – investing early, planning strategically, and delivering results for our residents.”
