Golden Meadow to build multi-purpose building

The town of Golden Meadow will soon be operating out of new digs thanks to an $850,000 grant and a $258,000 low interest loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The funding will be used to construct a multi-use emergency response command center that the town will also use as its day-to-day administrative facility. The new building, which will be elevated to protect against storm and tidal flooding, will replace the aging town hall on La. Highway 1, a building that is more than 50 years old.

“This new building will be an asset to the entire community,” said Golden Meadow Mayor Joey Bouziga. He noted that the facility could also be used as a refuge for outside agencies during a hurricane, hazardous materials incidents and other natural disasters.

“It’s going to be located on North Alex Plaisance Boulevard (La. Highway 3235) in front of the motor vehicle office building,” Bouziga noted.

The funding for the project was awarded in April, and Bouziga said the town recently received permission to start drawing plans for the structure.

Originally, the USDA had awarded only a $358,000 grant and approved a $750,000 loan but after urging from state officials and Congressman Charlie Melancon, the grant funding was revised and subsequently doubled.

“I am pleased that the USDA Rural Development office took a fresh look at Golden Meadow’s request and used their discretion in reevaluating what the town could realistically afford to contribute to this project,” said Melancon. “All too often, government bureaucracies get bogged down in rules and regulations and find reasons to say ‘no,’ instead of working with local people to find a way to say ‘yes.’ I am encouraged that the USDA was open to cooperating with us to cut the red tape and get this important project moving.”

Likewise, U.S. Sen. David Vitter touted the USDA’s approval of the project, which he said would benefit south Lafourche Parish and the Grand Isle area as well.

“Hurricanes Katrina and Rita taught us all a lesson on how important it is to have an operations center in place during an emergency,” Vitter said. “The new town hall will be a great asset to Golden Meadow and all of its citizens.”

The grant is provided under the Community Facilities Loan and Grant Program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development.†