LAPLACE — Organizers behind the Manchac Greenway say the project is getting closer to having its first public visibility in the form of bike path signs.

The creation of the Manchac Greenway along the former U.S. 51 through the swamps and marshes between LaPlace and Ponchatoula is a citizen-led effort with the cooperation and assistance of the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation, federal, state, parish and municipal governments and agencies, faculty members and students from Southeastern Louisiana University, businesses and other interested groups.

Frank Neelis is a member of the steering committee. He said bike path signs are getting very close to going up.

The committee is still working to find a way to put a bike path where Interstate 55 takes over for U.S. 51. Neelis said organizers are working with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development as well as the railroad.

He said the ultimate goal would be to tie the path into an Around the Lake Bike Route.

“Bikers from around the world look for long routes to organize relays,” he said. “It’s a major economic thing. It would be a significant achievement if we could pull this off.”

For years, U.S. 51 served the public for travel, hunting, fishing, boating, bicycling, culture, hiking, canoeing, sightseeing and access to the surrounding wetlands.

The committee wants to enhance those features with a formally designated Greenway using new signage, scheduled patrols and other safety features, selective vegetation management emphasizing native plants, the creation of handicap accessible fishing piers, improved boating, fishing and canoeing access, shelters and picnic areas, designated biking and running routes, walking trails, park spaces, interpretive historical and information displays and a marketing effort directed to tourists, he said.

“All these things will allow the Greenway to reach its fullest potential as a cultural asset and economic engine,” he said.

The steering committee has received help from numerous groups, including the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the parish offices of planning and the assessor of St. John the Baptist and Tangipahoa parishes, Southeastern Louisiana University, city governments and more.

Neelis said he expects a draft plan will be developed and presented for comments at a comprehensive community meeting. An application to the National Parks Service will be submitted to request its assistance in the refinement of the plan and its implementation.

“This will be a long-term project that will require the assistance of many folks and, of course, funding,” he said.

To make a donation or get more information, send a request to the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation/Manchac Greenway, P.O. Box 6965, Metairie, LA 7009-6965.

— By Jacob Rester/Courtesy of the Hammond Star