Mayor searching for 8-10 acres as aging system creates ongoing problems for residents

PORT ALLEN – The city faces a massive infrastructure challenge requiring at least $15 million over five years to replace its aging sewer treatment plant, Mayor Terecita Pattan told residents during Monday's town hall meeting.

"You're looking at about a five-year build-out on it. And you're looking at least a minimum of $15 million to do it," Pattan explained to residents gathered at City Hall.

Land Search Underway

The mayor and city officials have been actively searching for suitable land for the new facility, which requires 8-10 acres to accommodate proper buffer zones around the treatment plant to separate it from residential and commercial areas.

The search represents a critical challenge for the geographically constrained city. As officials noted during the meeting, "there's really nowhere to build anything within the city" due to being surrounded by the river, Intracoastal Waterway, and generations of privately-owned cane field property.

"We're still in discussions about that," Pattan said regarding ongoing land negotiations. "So I have to give Mr. Eric Hall tomorrow when he gets back to ask him some legal different questions about lines and that kind of thing. But hopefully that'll be something that at least by the first of the year that we can try to get."

Current System Problems

The aging sewer system has created ongoing problems for residents throughout the city. During the meeting, Frances McDonald of 335 7th Street described persistent sewer issues at her property, where crews attempted repairs but found collapsed infrastructure that couldn't be cleared.

"They came back the next week and they said that there is no way they can get through there because the jar has collapsed. So I need help," McDonald told the mayor.

While officials said sewer issues have been less frequent lately, the infrastructure challenges highlight the urgent need for system replacement rather than continued repairs.

Ongoing System Maintenance Costs

The aging infrastructure continues requiring expensive repairs while the city plans its replacement. At Wednesday's council meeting, officials approved a $39,535.80 payment for wastewater treatment plant electrical work that had been outstanding for over 14 months.

The payment covered retainage due to McLeod Electric LLC for F1 pump station electrical modifications, representing ongoing maintenance challenges with the current system.

The city recently received a $1.1 million grant for sewer repairs, though officials indicated the funds must be used for improvements to the existing system rather than property acquisition for a new plant.

This creates a complex funding challenge where the city must continue maintaining the current system while simultaneously planning and financing its replacement.

Financing Challenge

The $15 million price tag represents a significant financial challenge for the small municipality. The five-year timeline suggests the city will need to develop a comprehensive financing strategy that could involve:

• Additional state and federal grants
• Bond financing
• Potential user fee adjustments
• Phased construction approach

Geographic Constraints

Port Allen's unique geographic situation complicates the site selection process. The city is bounded by the Mississippi River, the Intracoastal Waterway, and established development, leaving few options for large-scale infrastructure projects.

The need for 8-10 acres with appropriate buffer zones further narrows the search, as the new facility must be positioned to serve the entire city while maintaining proper separation from residential and commercial areas.

Timeline Pressure

The mayor's emphasis on securing land "by the first of the year" suggests urgency in moving the project forward. Delays in land acquisition could push back the five-year construction timeline and potentially worsen existing system problems.

The current infrastructure problems, combined with the lengthy timeline for replacement, create ongoing challenges for residents who continue experiencing service issues while waiting for the new facility.

Community Impact

The sewer plant replacement represents one of the most significant infrastructure investments in Port Allen's recent history. The project timeline and costs will likely affect city budgets and potentially utility rates for years to come.

Residents experiencing current sewer problems face the prospect of continued issues while the city works through the complex process of land acquisition, design, permitting, and construction for the new facility.

The mayor encouraged residents to continue reporting specific problems, as city crews work to maintain service from the aging system while planning its replacement.

This is a developing story. WBR Independent will continue following the city's progress on land acquisition and project planning.