GICC supports Teche-Vermillion Fresh Water District Millage Renewal

Author: Avery Grubb

From Janet Faulk-Gonzales, with the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce:

After a presentation by Donald Sagrera, Executive Director of the Teche-Vermilion Fresh Water District and Donald Segura, Vice Chairman of the District and Iberia Parish representative to the district’s board of directors and subsequently additional research, the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce (GICC) Board of Directors voted unanimously at its April board meeting to support the Teche-Vermilion Fresh Water District 1.5 mills tax renewal.

 

This millage has been in place since the 1970’s as the funding source to meet the district’s agreement with the federal government to maintain and operate all works after completion of the original construction by the US Corps of Engineers. This agreement includes a commitment to make major replacements as necessary and to expand the pumping plant as necessary to maintain its capacity at 1,300 cubic feet per second. Maintenance, repairs, and expansions are ongoing issues for the district. A renewal of this millage would ensure that the district could continue covering its cost without seeking any additional funding.

 

The Teche-Vermilion Basins Project is designed to restore and maintain water quality and quantity, protect the regional groundwater supply and provide additional water for irrigation. The project supplies fresh water from the Atchafalaya River to the Bayou Teche, the Vermilion River and connecting streams through a pumping station and a series of control structures and channels designed to divert, regulate and carry the flows.

 

Ryan Boudoin, GICC Chairman made the case for economic development, “For Iberia Parish, the project increases water levels in Bayou Teche making inland boat building and repair a viable economic development option. The district’s commitment to cost sharing with the Acadiana Planning Commission for a regional gauge project that will assist regional and parish drainage engineers in planning and flood protection efforts is important to Iberia Parish.”

 

Early voting for the May 4th election is April 20-27. In Iberia Parish, early voting is held at the Iberia Parish Courthouse, 300 Iberia Street.

 

The Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce has been advocating for local industry, promoting small business, and helping design business policies since 1939. Led by a twenty-one-member volunteer board of directors, who direct the Chamber’s mission of improving the business environment so our members grow and prosper, the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce contributes to the economic prosperity of the community, which ultimately enhances quality of life.

 

Visit the Teche-Vermillion Fresh Water District's Facebook

 

-

-