Jury takes step toward raising Old River

By Vershal Hogan (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat

Published Tuesday, March 25, 2008

VIDALIA — The Concordia Parish Police Jury took the first step in what might result in a long-desired project to raise the water level on Old River Monday night.

The jury passed a resolution to send a letter to the area’s congressional delegation requesting appropriation money for a feasibility study to raise the level of Old River — also known as Marengo Bend — by approximately 5-7 feet.

Joe Woods presented the idea to the jury on behalf of the Concordia Economic District.

“If we can raise the water level, the fishermen will be able to access it longer during the low water, and the Town of Ferriday’s water quality intake will improve,” Woods said.

Ferriday Mayor-elect Glen McGlothin, who was present at the meeting as a member of the economic district, said the level of the water would have to be raised if Ferriday’s drinking water is ever going to improve.

“Right now we’re sucking off the bottom of the lake during the summer months,” McGlothin said.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is planning to construct a dam near the existing dam on Old River to get access to Giles Island for a future project, and Woods said he hopes the group will be able to convince the corps to use and build up the existing dam during that project.

“That way, it would limit the cost-sharing on the local governments,” Woods said.

The jury also voted to set payment rates for Davenport, Files and Kelly, the firm that is handling the jury’s litigation against Blain Companies for what they say was sub-standard work on the phase I road project in 2007.

Firm representatives Mike Sanders and David Hammett will be paid at a rate of $150 an hour, Lara Lane will be paid at a rate of $125 an hour and a firm paralegal will be paid at a rate of $45 an hour.

In other news:

4The board voted to allow the LSU extension service, which is housed in the old courthouse in Vidalia, to make repairs of as much as $1,500 to walls and ceilings that were damaged by a leaking roof.

The leak has been repaired, Jury President Melvin Ferrington said.

4The jury voted to allow the Concordia Parish Library to use two rooms in the old courthouse to expand a computer lab.

4The jury appointed McGlothin to the Atchafalaya Trace Commission to replace former member Teresa Dennis.

Ferriday resident Liz Brooking was appointed as McGlothin’s alternate to the commission.

4The jury voted to hire Patricia King as bookkeeper and Merrin Stuart as a prisoner guard.

4The jury voted to transfer $50,000 from the sales tax fund to the solid waste fund.

4The jury set 15 miles per hour speed limit on Frazier Road and Peal Cross Road.