LCG LAUNCHES PARISH-WIDE DRAINAGE ENGAGEMENT SERIES AS INVESTMENTS AND FLOOD MITIGATION EFFORTS EXPAND

LCG LAUNCHES PARISH-WIDE DRAINAGE ENGAGEMENT SERIES AS INVESTMENTS AND FLOOD MITIGATION EFFORTS EXPAND

Lafayette, LA -Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG) is launching a Drainage Community Engagement Series to give residents the opportunity to learn about local drainage initiatives, explore ongoing flood mitigation efforts, and provide input that will help shape the parish's long-term Stormwater Plan.

The Drainage Department manages more than 2,580 miles of drainage infrastructure across Lafayette Parish, including coulees, canals, and roadside ditches. In recent years, the administration has increased its focus on coordination, proactive maintenance, and strategic investments aimed at reducing flood risk and improving stormwater management parish-wide.

In 2025 alone, LCG invested more than $22M into operations, maintenance, and capital projects to improve drainage across the City and Parish. In the FY25-26 budget, drainage investments make up nearly 15% of total capital investment, second only to investments in transportation infrastructure.

"Drainage remains one of the most important LCG priorities," said Mayor-President Monique B. Boulet. "We're focused not only on maintaining and improving our existing infrastructure but also on planning strategically for the future. These meetings give residents a chance to see the work underway, understand how projects are evaluated, and help guide the next phase of drainage improvements in Lafayette Parish."

Beyond maintenance and excavation efforts, LCG continues to strengthen its long-term drainage strategy through a coordinated approach that includes:

• Continued participation in the Community Rating System (CRS), which helps residents qualify for reduced flood insurance rates
• Updated floodplain regulations, including improvements to development standards in Flood Zone X
• Ongoing hazard mitigation planning to identify long-term flood risk reduction strategies
• Support to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) on Dredge the Vermilion
• Development of an internal project evaluation and rating system to prioritize future drainage projects
• Expansion of the parish's drainage gauge network to improve monitoring and data collection
• Continued development of the official drainage map for Lafayette Parish
• Continue completion of the Homewood and Coulee Ile des Cannes (CIDC) detention ponds
• Pursuing state and federal funding opportunities, including grants for home elevations, property buyouts, and major flood mitigation projects
  

LCG also continues its roadside ditch inspection program, ensuring that drainage infrastructure is monitored regularly and that crews can respond quickly to maintenance needs and storm events.

The upcoming engagement series will feature expo-style meetings where residents can visit information stations, learn about current drainage projects, ask questions, and provide feedback directly to LCG staff. Community input gathered during the meetings will help inform the Stormwater Plan and guide future drainage priorities.

The meetings will take place on the following dates:

• Wednesday, March 18 - 6:00 p.m.

  South Regional Library (6101 Johnston Street)

• Thursday, April 9 - 6:00 p.m.
  South Louisiana Community College, Devalcourt Auditorium (320 Devalcourt Street)
• Tuesday, May 12 - 6:00 p.m.
  Dupuis Recreation Center (1212 E Pont Des Mouton Road)
  

LCG encourages residents from across Lafayette Parish to attend and participate in the conversation about the future of drainage and stormwater management in their community.

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