LAFAYETTE, La. (KADN) — During this holiday period, Lafayette's mayor-president is busy addressing big challenges on two fronts in the parish - housing and flooding. A long-awaited dredging project along the Vermilion River is set to begin. And there are shake-ups at the Lafayette Housing Authority.
As part of a $5 million dredging project, crews will begin Monday, July 8, digging out shallow sections of Bayou Vermilion. Residents along the river have long asked for spot dredging to help reduce the flood risk in their neighborhoods. In addition, the mayor president said this effort is crucial to maintain and improve Lafayette's waterways.
There are also some big changes with the housing authority. The mayor-president appointed three new members, more than half of the five-person board.
It's all in a move to spur more activity from the agency, which has been criticized for a lack of action and vision. The demand for affordable housing in Lafayette has overwhelmed the housing authority, with hundreds of families waiting for help.
The mayor president said her three appointees bring a ton of experience to the board, which should help to expand affordable housing.
