The Louisiana Lakes Conservancy, the organization created by the Baton Rouge Area Foundation to rehabilitate the LSU lake system, will ask the State Bond Commission this week to approve $2 million for planning and design work to get the project started. The commission meets Thursday.
Earlier this year, the state legislature approved $14 million for the lakes rehabilitation project, which is a fraction of the estimated $40 million total price tag. However, the conservancy will get no more than $2 million of that this fiscal year, as that is all that has been recommended for approval, according to the agenda for Thursday’s bond commission meeting. The project is listed in the Priority 2 category, which means dozens of projects in Priority 1 will likely be funded first.
Assuming the project is approved, funds will be used to develop construction documents and detailed plans from which a Request For Proposals will be issued. Â
In July, BRAF unveiled a master plan for the rehabilitation of the six-lake system after more than a year of study, research and community meetings. The plan calls for dredging the lakes to improve their health while also developing wildlife habitats, a new trail system and better lighting and signage.
It is unknown how the entire project will be funded. In addition to state money, BP settlement funds have been mentioned as a possible source, as well as federal grants and public-private partnerships.
—Stephanie Riegel
