Bayou Lafourche Cooridor plan taking shape

Projects to be funded through the Bayou Lafourche Corridor initiative, a program launched with $500,000 in seed money from U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu, is beginning to take shape as residents at public meetings from Donaldsonville to Golden Meadow express their desires for projects that would enhance the bayou.

The initiative calls for money to be spent on work that would beautify the bayou and its surrounding area, which in turn would draw more tourists and economic development to the area.

The first round of meetings sought public input as to what should be undertaken and the ideas were culled together and organized by architects and planners with the Shaw Group in Baton Rouge.

The second round of meetings, one of which was held in Lockport last week, sought to determine a consensus on what projects should be built in what areas. Shaw officials appeared confident that Landrieu would be able to secure funding on a yearly basis for continuing projects to be built under the corridor plan.

All participants have agreed that some monies should be spent on beautifying the bayou side from Fourchon all the way to Donaldsonville.

“The cleanliness issue received universal agreement,” said Lou Cutera, a planner with the Shaw Group.

Other areas where there was broad agreement were the ability to enhance accessibility to the bayou via boardwalks, bridges and boat launches in designated areas.

For example, an enhanced historic district has been suggested for the Town of Lockport and a public marina with slips to dock pleasure craft has been identified as a possible project for Golden Meadow. Extending the boardwalk in front of Nicholls State University in Thibodaux all the way to the downtown business district has been listed as a possibility for that area.

“It has been agreed that the first project to be constructed will be built in Lafourche Parish,” said Lafourche Parish President Charlotte Randolph. “The $500,000 in initial funding will be used for this project and it is already in hand.”

According to planners, the first project will likely be done in the Raceland area near the Lafourche Parish Tourist Commission building at the intersection of U.S. Highway 90 and Louisiana Highway 1. “This is the area where most visitors see their first true view of the bayou as they get off the four-lane highway. It is a central point for visitors as they stop at the tourist center and decide whether to go south or north,” said Carolyn Cheramie, executive director of the tourist commission.

Expected to be constructed adjacent to the commission property is an “open air” farmers market where vendors will be able to sell local produce and seafood. Also under consideration is the building of a pavilion near the market where local musicians and artists can ply their crafts to visitors and locals alike.

A “scenic overlook” alongside and over the bayou is also expected to be constructed near the commission property with funding derived for this project from other sources. “We’re trying to enhance, upgrade and beautify the surroundings and make a really good first impression to visitors with this project as a significant number of them see this area as their first impression of Lafourche Parish,” said Cheramie.