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LAPLACE — Motorists driving along Carrollwood Drive in LaPlace are not only in for a smoother ride but also one that will be a bit brighter with reflectors that have been replaced and better identified with new striping.

During a St. John the Baptist Parish Council meeting May 23, a $139,515 change order with Kass Bros. Inc. of Westwego, the contractor for the project, was approved and a 26-day extension granted. Parish Director of Purchasing Peter Montz said the added costs will cover additional striping, reflectors, drainage and repair of driveways and sidewalks that were damaged during the rehabilitation project.

“(The change order order) made good common sense,” Montz said, adding that the striping was wearing thin and some of the reflectors gone.

He said while the crews were working in the area it was logical to take care of those items as well.

The council also approved the administration to execute a certificate of substantial completion with Kass for the entire Carrollwood Drive project. Montz reported that all punch list items were identified and are nearing completion.

Councilman Warren Torres said he was excited to see that project nearing completion.

“It was a good contract,” he said.

In other council business, members authorized a certificate of substantial completing for the Ezekiel Jackson Airnasium project.

Council members also approved the parish entering into a cooperative endeavor agreement with the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority for restoration of Sunset Park.

Montz said Sunset Park needs restoration, and the project will include rip rap for the first layer of shoreline protection, backfill stabilization and planting native marshland plants to further stabilize the park’s northern sector.

The purpose of the CEA is to allocate project funding in the amount of $56,250 with a match of $18,750, which will be funded through the parish budget.

The project includes restoring 1.5 acres on the western side of Pass Manchac to include 650 linear feet of shoreline protection, plant native trees, grass and flower species; and conduct public outreach with stakeholders, residents, local fishermen and businesses.

The parish also took a step forward for the future by entering into a professional services agreement with Dewberry Engineers for a comprehensive stormwater master plan. Parish President Jaclyn Hotard said the plan will be developed parish-wide to access future potential funding opportunities, such as hazard mitigation, Community Development Block Grants and other funding sources.

The ultimate goal is to identify and complete drainage improvements to prevent future flooding,

The estimated cost of the agreement is $999,246.50, which will be paid for through the Levee Fund.