Washington, DC – It was a busy week in Washington, DC this week, as legislators continued the intense debate regarding health care reform.  Despite extremely busy schedules, all of Pointe Coupee’s congressional delegation took time to hear from City of New Roads Mayor Tommy Nelson and parish Director of Economic Development Scot Byrd.  The meetings were characterized as brief, but productive.

"We had specific agenda items we wanted to discuss with the Congressmen and Senators, but we also wanted to make sure we thanked them for their support in supporting us in our FEMA reimbursements, which was a critical issue in our fiscal budget management in 2009; leading to a $1.4 million surplus,” said Mayor Nelson.

Some of the issues discussed were funds to widen Hospital Road, a study for slow speed hydroelectric alternative energy for the city, funds to market and create new retail opportunities for New Roads Shopping Center, funding for additional pay for sheriff deputies to help support a more aggressive truancy initiative proposed by Sheriff Torres and school superintendent Linda D’Amico, and funds to attract industry and jobs to the new retail corridor being created by the Audubon Bridge project. 

Additionally, Mayor Nelson and Mr. Byrd asked for congressional support for projects already requested, such as expanding our correctional facility to house an innovative training program by Sheriff Torres to reduce repeat offenders by giving them marketable skills.  The parish also has a broadband grant pending, for which further support was requested.  Finally, officials requested consideration for reapportioning funding for sewer district #1, making an award from last year more grant and less loan, which would make it more financially feasibly.

"We will be following up with congressional staff in the weeks ahead for their help in determining where best to seek these funding needs,” Mr. Byrd said.  "I’d like to thank our congressional leaders on taking time from their busy schedules to listen to the needs of our community during a very hectic week.”