The Paul Maillard Road Corridor Revitalization project got Council approval, and St. Charles Parish has announced that Monsanto has become a strong partner in helping make it happen.
“All the pieces seem to be falling into place,” said Clayton “Snookie” Faucheux, the parish’s Public Works director.
The project coming together signals a major upgrade for Luling with improved drainage, sidewalks, a multi-use path and possibly a park.
In addition to starting work with the project’s first phase by mid-2018, Faucheux said Monsanto may donate land for the park along Paul Maillard Road and up to $450,000 for project work.
Evans-Graves Engineers was awarded the first of three phases with the long-anticipated project at the council’s July 31 meeting. Estimated at $3.5 million, Phase I calls for redesigning the corridor, based on the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) “complete streets” approach, said Faucheux.
All open ditch drainage will be covered to make way for roadway upgrades, landscaping and the construction of a 10-foot wide multi-use path and/or pedestrian sidewalk.
Total project cost is estimated at $9.2 million.
Reanda Pierre, chair of the Paul Maillard Community Development Corp., said Monsanto, which had a member on the project committee that helped determine the project, has been a substantial partner in the effort.
Faucheux also described Monsanto as a driving force in the revitalization project.
The delay with initiating work came with the parish working on getting grants to help pay for the work, he said. But DOTD and the New Orleans Regional Planning Commission have since indicated they may provide funds.
DOTD may also provide funding to connect the proposed bike path to Paul Maillard Road, Faucheux said.
Overall, Pierre praised the council for moving ahead with the corridor plan.
“This is a great first step,” she said. “I can say the community is really engaged in seeing the plan implemented.”
Pierre also said drainage and sidewalk upgrades will likely spark investment in the community.
She added, “We are addressing a need that is definitely there.”
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