In 2013, St. John the Baptist Parish voters overwhelmingly approved a $30 million bond proposal to finance parish improvements.

This was the largest bond issue approved in parish history with no increase in taxes. The bond proceeds were allocated across five critical categories: Drainage, Canals, Pumps and Levees; Water Systems; Roads and Bridges; Public Buildings; and Parks and Recreation.

Millions of dollars have been invested in road improvements, drainage equipment and pump stations, recreational improvements and new facilities. Some of these funds were used as the match for disaster recovery and grant funds, increasing the overall funding available to complete critical projects.

One of the largest investments of bond funds is slated for a new Eastbank Government Complex to house all government services in a single location creating a one-stop-shop.

As the Percy Hebert Building approaches 50 years of existence, it has outgrown its ability to meet the needs of our growing community. The new complex was designed with input from stakeholders and elected officials, while the funding package was finalized for construction.

Subsequently, the design was completed and authorization granted by the Council to solicit bids for construction of the new building, which will be located at the corner of Percy Hebert Road and Airline Highway in LaPlace.

The proposed 44,130 square foot building will centralize all government offices for public services including the Register of Voters, Assessor, Planning and Zoning, Code Enforcement, Clerk of Court, Utility Billing, Finance, Grants and Council Offices. It also includes a new Council Chambers, Courtroom, Parish President’s Office and Administrative suite.

The new state of the art Council Chambers will seat more than 100 people and will include enhanced sound, voting and camera systems. The facility will also be used for traffic court, which is currently held at the Arcuri Center.

The Emergency Operations Center will remain in its current location and plans are being finalized for construction of a Safe Room adjacent to the center. The 4,000 square foot facility will provide a secure location to support recovery operations and house Parish employees and critical staff during and immediately following an emergency event.

We are ecstatic about moving this project forward after years of extensive planning, workshops and stakeholder meetings. This complex is the epicenter of government operations, and our goal is to modernize all Parish facilities and services to better serve the increasing needs of our Parish.

In addition to these new facilities, the Edgard Courthouse recently received over $2 million in renovations, including construction of a new Juvenile Services wing with a secured courtyard and parking lot, a secured entrance for inmate transfers, new security cameras, restroom and break room upgrades and aesthetic improvements throughout the facility.

Our Parish has grown and our need for space has increased significantly. It is incumbent upon the leaders of St. John the Baptist Parish to provide new and improved facilities that will serve the residents of this parish for many years to come.

Natalie Robottom is St. John the Baptist Parish President. She can be reached at communications@sjbparish.com.