Roach seeks $20M for road improvement project
Published 4:25 am Wednesday, February 27, 2013
The Roach administration is seeking approval from the Lake Charles City Council to enter into an agreement with other local government agencies to contribute money toward $80 million in road and highway improvements near Interstate 210 and Nelson Road.
Mayor Randy Roach told the City Council during Tuesday’s agenda meeting that officials with the state Department of Transportation and Development want $20 million in local contributions for the Cove Lane interchange.
He said gambling taxes from the Ameristar Casino project — now being constructed — could be used to meet local responsibilities.
“We can take $4 million from gaming revenues over five years, and that will help us meet our obligation,” Roach said. “That money would come from Ameristar. We would not touch any other gaming revenue.”
A cooperative endeavor agreement is needed because gambling funds are spread among local government bodies.
The Cove Lane interchange will cost about $57 million. DOTD is also interested in developing improvements to Nelson Road near I-210 and Alternative 5, which is a road that would travel toward Contraband Bayou.
The City Council will decide on whether it wants the administration to participate in the agreement at the next regular meeting.
(American Press Archives)
