BENTON, La. — The Bossier Parish Police Jury has approved its 2026 budget last week, prioritizing major investments in transportation, drainage, and facility upgrades while maintaining routine operational expenses.
More than $30 million is dedicated to road and infrastructure improvements, led by the East/West Corridor project. The corridor will receive $17.5 million, largely from federal funds, to support design work, surveys, and right-of-way acquisition.
Additional transportation projects include $1.3 million for a state-funded Highway 157 traffic study in Haughton and $4.5 million for capacity improvements on Bobby Byrd and Frank Staton roads, as well as a new turn lane at Airline Drive and Swan Lake Road.
“Improving our roads and corridors is essential for growth,” said Glenn Benton, Police Jury president. “The East/West Corridor and other projects will ease traffic, support economic development, and make travel safer for everyone in Bossier Parish.”
The budget also includes drainage enhancements in the Espanita neighborhood through the Louisiana Watershed Initiative. The $2 million project will be funded with federal dollars.
Facility upgrades account for another significant portion of the plan. The courthouse will receive two 750 kW generators as part of a $1.8 million FEMA-funded project slated for completion this year. Other improvements include replacing the 21-year-old automation system that controls HVAC and security, a project estimated between $1.5 million and $2 million. The Maximum-Security Jail will undergo a $1.5 million plumbing overhaul, and additional renovations such as window repairs bring total capital improvements to approximately $6.2 million.
“These mission-critical upgrades ensure continuity of operations and strengthen security across our facilities,” said Benton. “This budget reflects our commitment to protecting taxpayer resources while preparing for the future.”