Breaux Bridge water lines done

The extension of municipal water service north of I-10 is nearing completion.
City engineer Chris Richard, at the Feb. 10 city council meeting, said that lines are now laid and were being pressure-tested. After further testing and disinfection of the lines, extensive flushing will be conducted and meters can then be installed, he said.
The extension will bring city water to the Bear Creek, Spanish Moss and North Bridge subdivisions along La. 328/Anse Broussard Highway.
Richard also reported that efforts to extend water service west along Mills Avenue to the city limits are in progress, with survey and design work for the project underway now.
Also, a resolution passed by the council will seek legislative assistance to secure state funding for the proposed extension of Mills Avenue/La. 94. The road project will extend Mills Avenue east beyond Rees Street to join Doyle Melancon Road one mile south of I-10.
The resolution states that extending the road, which provides a valuable connection between Breaux Bridge and Lafayette, would increase traffic flow between the cities, promote economic development and provide for improved emergency evacuation.
In other business, the council passed a resolution of intent to issue taxable revenue bonds not to exceed $8 million to finance improvements to the city sewer system. Mayor Ricky Calais said that, while progress needs to be made to bring unserved parts of town, particularly areas north of I-10, along Hollier Road and on Mills Avenue into the system, treatment plant upgrades are very important at this time. For one thing, he said, a needed $1.3 million improvement to the system’s three oxidation ponds can’t be put off much longer and must have priority.
Calais said that the $8 million figure was approved by the bond attorney, but substantially less than that amount would be issued at this time.
Finally, sales tax receipts continue to decline in the city and are down more than 11 percent for the year. Calais said that fees, permits, inspections, fines and video poker receipts are all down as well.