By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

EDGARD – The St. John the Baptist Parish Council voted unanimously in favor of rejecting all bids being considered for improvements to the Reserve boat launch because of a recent change in bid laws.

Joey Murray, lead architect on the project, told the council during a finance committee meeting earlier this month that early proposals did not include a bid form needed to comply with state construction bid laws. Murray said without that form in place, federal funds cannot be used to pay for the project.

“The parish has secured about $180,000 in grants for the project,” Murray said. “We can re-open bids in about 30 days and produce greater savings to the parish.”

Former Parish President Bill Hubbard proposed the boat launch improvements in March 2009 as a way to revitalize the frequently used recreational spot. The plan includes a repaved parking lot, improved lighting, picnic tables and landscaping. Total estimated cost of the project stands at about $500,000. The parish is securing grants and will also use a pool of money left over from the 2002 bond issue to help pay for the project.

There is currently no start date on the project.

Parish officials say the project will take about a year to complete.