By PAUL KEDINGER
Managing Editor
“It’s a done deal,” confirmed A.J. Credeur, president of the Acadia Parish Police Jury, following a special meeting Friday morning to authorize a land swap with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Foundation (ULLF).
Unanimous approval of a cooperative endeavor agreement means that an alternative energy development facility will be constructed in Crowley.
Under the agreement, ULLF will transfer ownership of approximately 6.3 acres of property on Roller Road, southwest of Crowley, in exchange for 5 acres of parish property located on land at the corner of West Hutchinson and Capitol Avenue.
In addition to the land exchange, ULLF and its collaborators will invest approximately $2 million for the construction of a biofuel research facility.
Juror Alton Stevenson initially was concerned with the agreement citing the corner of West Hutchinson and Capitol Avenue was the proposed site for a new parish health unit.
Jury President Credeur was quick to point out the parish owns 21 acres at that location and a surveyor must mark out only a five-acre parcel.
Furthermore, Credeur noted when Dr. Mark Zappi, dean of the ULL engineering department, initially approached the Jury regarding a site for the biofuel research center, a lease was considered. “They didn’t realize then the Foundation owned property in Crowley,” Credeur said.
The center will conduct research converting agricultural by-products and wood chips into synthetic fuel intended to replace natural gas.
Regarding a new parish health unit, Credeur added the board of directors of American Legion Hospital are considering donating property next to the Crowley medical center. A donation would remove an obstacle of the parish placing a health facility on privately owned property.
Credeur emphasized the prospect of a land donation by the hospital board “is not confirmed.”
Juror Thomas Sonnier commended Credeur for his effort on securing the research center, adding it will have a definite impact on the parish’s economy.
Credeur responded by commending his fellow jurors for their support on the land swap, as well as their support of the initiative to promote Acadiana as film industry site.
“It’s a great move for the parish; a great asset,” remarked Credeur. “2010 may be a great start for Acadia Parish.”
Following a public hearing at which no objections were heard, the motion to adopt the cooperative endeavor agreement was made by Juror Sonnier and seconded by Juror Stevenson.
In other action, the Jury unanimously acknowledged annexation of property by the Crowley City Council adjacent to the West Northern Avenue extension near the intersection of Capitol Avenue.
Credeur and Secretary-Treasurer Terry Lacombe explained the city’s border currently ends at the Hutchinson Street bridge. The annexation would affect 4.717 acres.
Managing Editor
“It’s a done deal,” confirmed A.J. Credeur, president of the Acadia Parish Police Jury, following a special meeting Friday morning to authorize a land swap with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Foundation (ULLF).
Unanimous approval of a cooperative endeavor agreement means that an alternative energy development facility will be constructed in Crowley.
Under the agreement, ULLF will transfer ownership of approximately 6.3 acres of property on Roller Road, southwest of Crowley, in exchange for 5 acres of parish property located on land at the corner of West Hutchinson and Capitol Avenue.
In addition to the land exchange, ULLF and its collaborators will invest approximately $2 million for the construction of a biofuel research facility.
Juror Alton Stevenson initially was concerned with the agreement citing the corner of West Hutchinson and Capitol Avenue was the proposed site for a new parish health unit.
Jury President Credeur was quick to point out the parish owns 21 acres at that location and a surveyor must mark out only a five-acre parcel.
Furthermore, Credeur noted when Dr. Mark Zappi, dean of the ULL engineering department, initially approached the Jury regarding a site for the biofuel research center, a lease was considered. “They didn’t realize then the Foundation owned property in Crowley,” Credeur said.
The center will conduct research converting agricultural by-products and wood chips into synthetic fuel intended to replace natural gas.
Regarding a new parish health unit, Credeur added the board of directors of American Legion Hospital are considering donating property next to the Crowley medical center. A donation would remove an obstacle of the parish placing a health facility on privately owned property.
Credeur emphasized the prospect of a land donation by the hospital board “is not confirmed.”
Juror Thomas Sonnier commended Credeur for his effort on securing the research center, adding it will have a definite impact on the parish’s economy.
Credeur responded by commending his fellow jurors for their support on the land swap, as well as their support of the initiative to promote Acadiana as film industry site.
“It’s a great move for the parish; a great asset,” remarked Credeur. “2010 may be a great start for Acadia Parish.”
Following a public hearing at which no objections were heard, the motion to adopt the cooperative endeavor agreement was made by Juror Sonnier and seconded by Juror Stevenson.
In other action, the Jury unanimously acknowledged annexation of property by the Crowley City Council adjacent to the West Northern Avenue extension near the intersection of Capitol Avenue.
Credeur and Secretary-Treasurer Terry Lacombe explained the city’s border currently ends at the Hutchinson Street bridge. The annexation would affect 4.717 acres.
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