(The Center Square) – The Bossier City Council voted to introduce new business concerning the appropriation of funds for the relocations of water and sewer utilities as the Jimmie Davis Bridge construction continues.
While the ordinance is just up for first reading, there is concern over Bossier City citizens paying for additional costs of a state project.
“Did the state not realize they were going to have to move water lines? I feel like, it’s having to be moved for a state project, that the state should be paying for this and not the citizens of Bossier City,” said Councilman Brian Hammons.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation kicked off the project in May of last year with an estimated cost of $361 million for the new construction project. With an anticipated completion date of late 2028, funds are now needed to relocate the water and sewer mains. The estimated cost of the relocation is $120,500.
A representative told the council that they are in the process of getting this done and would receive a refund once the work is finalized. The ordinance is to ensure there is no delay in the project. If it’s necessary to move forward with the ordinance, officials said the city would receive a refund.
“I don’t want to delay the project,” said Hammons. “With everything, it’s moving along nicely. I would just ask that we have an airtight contract with them so that we do get the money back that we put into this.”
The motion carried to introduce the ordinance for the $120,500 needed for the relocation. According to the ordinance, $16,000 would be appropriated from the Water Capital and Contingency fund, and $104,500 would be appropriated from the Sewer Capital and Contingency fund.
Bids opened for the project in 2023, and it was awarded to James Construction Group. Lane closures and construction began last year. The project just marked one year of construction in May.