With the state funds nearly secure, Anders said it now falls on local leaders to seek federal funds to match.

“(Mayor) Hyram Copeland and his staff will have to go to Washington to get the federal funding, but at least we got the ball rolling to get something accomplished on the state level,” Anders said. “I have faith this project can become a reality.”

The 240-acre Vidalia industrial park, which will play a significant role in the port development, was allocated $750,000 in priority 1 funding for development, planning and construction

Vidalia was also allocated $1.1 million in priority 1 funding for Riverfront development, design, planning and construction of an emergency shelter.

Other key funding priorities for Concordia Parish in the bill include $3.5 million for the Black River Lake drainage project and $1.5 million for the U.S. 84 El Camino four-lane planning and construction.

The Black River Lake Commission, set up several years ago to help manage the Black River drainage area, also known as the Horseshoe Complex, was allocated $1 million in priority 1 funding and $2.5 million in priority 5 funding for drainage structure installation, studies, permits and construction.

“I know the Black River Lake project is especially important to the police jury in Concordia, so we kept a close eye on it,” Riser said.

Other projects in the bill awaiting Jindal’s signature are:

– Public improvements: Raising the level of the Mississippi River levee, from Arkansas to Old River — $2.5 million in priority 1, $500,000 in priority 2 and $1.5 million in priority 5 funding for planning and construction.

– Concordia Parish Public Health Center renovation — $150,000 in priority 2 funding for planning and construction.

– Ferriday Downtown Revitalization — $1.39 million in priority 1 funding for planning and construction.

– Clayton school gymnasium — $100,000 in priority 5 funding for planning and construction.

– Red River headquarters/research facility/bunkhouse renovation — $780,600 from federal funds for planning and construction.

After a final signature from Jindal, the bill will head to the State Bond Commission where members can begin approving high priority funding.

House Bills 1 & 1059

In House Bill 1, the state appropriations bill which allocates funds for ordinary expenses of the state government, $150,000 is listed for the Concordia Parish Economic Development Fund and another $150,000 for the parish from sales tax deductions.

In House bill 1059, which is supplemental to the state appropriations bill, the City of Vidalia is allocated $23,058 for construction projects.

Looking back at the session as a whole, Riser said he was pleased with how legislature was able to focus on the high priority projects during tough economic times.

“We’re in a difficult economic environment where you want to watch all your money very closely, but I think we did that while still moving projects forward,” Riser said. “I think we were able to put a lot of money into Concordia Parish.”