The Evangeline Parish Police Jury, Tuesday approved setting new rates for water and  sewer customers at the Industrial Park. Jury President Bryan Vidrine reported that the rates have doubled since the old rates  were not enough to maintain the water and sewer systems. The new rates will give the police jury a financial cushion.

    After approval from the sheriff and district attorney, the police jury approved a request from Ward Three Constable Joe Deshotel to begin a pilot program to run radar and patrol in the Ward Three area. Part of the traffic fines  collected from this new operation will be used to help fund the constable’s office.

     In other business, the police jury awarded the low bid for a new pier project at the Crooked Creek Park to Fruge Lumber Company of Eunice for $146,000. Also , the replacement of the Trojan Lane Bridge in Ville Platte will be done at cost of $250,000. Both projects are being paid for by federal Ike/Gustav funds.

    The police jury approved entering into cooperative endeavor agreements with every municipality in the parish to purchase generators using Ike/Gustav funds.

      In other action the police jury:

--approved the appointment of Jackie Guillory to serve on the Parish Tourism Commission representing Pine Prairie;

--appointed Dale Deselle and Thurling Andrus to serve on the Lone Pine Fire District Board;

--heard concerns from Mike Daire  asking about drainage work done by parish workers on private property along Lithcote road. Parish Public Works Director Donald Bergeron explained that it was a public safety issue .