The Parish of Caddo is the recipient of (2) two 2016-2018 Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Transportation Alternatives Program (LADOTDTAP) grants.
The two grants, Caddo Parish Bicycling Awareness Signage, and Byway Scenic Viewing Area and Comfort Station, will go towards two critical projects in Caddo Parish.
“The Parish Commission has long identified the importance of safer streets, and the recreational and educational opportunities available at our park facilities,” said Douglas Dominick, Commission President. “We are pleased to be able to begin these projects with the funding assistance from DOTD. Once completed, the projects will enhance and beautify our Parish,” said Dominick.
The Bicycling Awareness Signage Project is designed to create awareness of shared riding space with drivers and bicyclists on city roads and state highways. The project will allow for 67 miles of signage on the Parish’s most traveled roads with vehicles and usage for bicycle riders.
The $280,690 grant will provide the construction costs for the project, and the Parish will be responsible for a 20 percent match for remaining construction costs. The Parish is also responsible for the design engineering, construction administration and management of the project. When finished, the project will complete two Parish projects that have been outlined in Phase 1 and 2 of the Caddo Parish Bicycle Plan.
“Bike facility enhancement benefits our community with awareness,” said Matthew Linn, Parish Commissioner, District 4. “These enhancements will assist the Parish and citizens to be more aware of cyclists on our roadways with the goal of safer and complete streets for all,” said Linn.
The Byway Scenic Viewing Area and Comfort Station Project is designed to provide additional space for recreational events and large groups. Partnering with the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau (SBCTB), the $200,000 grant will provide assistance to construct an outdoor pavilion at the Earl G. Williamson Park in Oil City, located on the historical Highway 1 Scenic Byway. In addition, the pavilion will contain educational kiosks designed to provide information on the history of the scenic byway. The Parish will be responsible for a 20 percent match for remaining construction costs, and will also be responsible for the design engineering, construction administration and management of the project.
“The Byway Scenic project will open up our park to further use by our citizens and visitors to the Parish,” said Henri Wesley, Director of Parks and Recreation. “Having an area that allows for recreation as well as education serves an important dual role, and we are eager to provide that opportunity to Caddo Parish,” said Wesley.
The DOTD Transportation Alternative Program (DOTDTAP), is a federally funded program administered through DOTD. The goal is to work toward building a more balanced transportation system that includes pedestrians and bicyclists as well as the motoring public. Eligible projects can include bicycle and pedestrian facilities, safe routes for non-drivers, conversion of abandoned railway corridors to trails, scenic turnouts, overlooks and viewing areas, archaeological activities, storm water mitigation, wildlife management, and community improvement activities. Community improvement activities can include outdoor advertising management, historic preservation and rehabilitation of historic transportation facilities and vegetation management.
