Evangeline Parish Police Jurors accepted a resolution Monday to authorize President, Ryan Williams, and Secretary Treasurer, Donald Bergeron, to move forward in completing an application for the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) Grant.

According to their website dra.gov, “The Delta Regional Authority works to improve regional economic opportunity by helping to create jobs, build communities, and improve the lives of the 10 million people who reside in the 252 counties and parishes of the eight-state Delta region.”

Parish Engineer, Ronnie Landreneau suggested that the jury use the grant to repair the 12,000 ft. of existing railroad tracks in the parish, while adding on new tracks. 

Public Works Director, Chester Granger, reported that the bridge on Natchitoches Rd, and St. John Rd in Ville Platte are fixed, and no longer closed. A month ago, both bridges were closed due to failed D.O.T inspections.

In other business:

- Secretary-Treasurer, Donald Bergeron, announced a .0812% drop in April sales taxes in 2018 compared to 2017. In April 2017, $248,763.67 in sales taxes were collected. This April, $245,591.52 in sales taxes were collected.

-  Police Jury approved a special December election for renewing a drainage tax for Vidrine Gravity Drainage District No. 7. 

- The appointment of Ville Platte Gazette as the official newspaper for the city was approved.  

- Reappointment of Gaynelle Coates to Library Board for 5-year turn was approved.