By Richard Searles
Healthcare, education, roads and flood protection projects receive funding recommendations in House Bill 2
More than $54 million in state construction and infrastructure projects tied to Natchitoches Parish are included in the latest version of Louisiana’s capital outlay budget, with major funding proposed for healthcare facilities, higher education projects, transportation improvements and flood protection initiatives.
The projects are contained in House Bill 2, the state’s annual capital outlay bill, which identifies construction and infrastructure projects eligible for state financing.
Among the largest allocations is $16.6 million for a healthcare infrastructure project at Natchitoches Regional Medical Center, including construction of a new ambulatory tower.
Higher education projects account for another significant portion of the proposed funding. The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts Innovation Center on the Northwestern State University campus is slated to receive $13.8 million, while replacement of John S. Kyser Hall at Northwestern State University is proposed for $6.54 million.
Transportation and infrastructure projects also received substantial support, including funding for improvements to Louisiana Highway 156 and reconstruction of city streets in Natchitoches.
If approved, the projects would represent one of the largest recent state investments in public facilities and infrastructure within Natchitoches Parish.
Proposed Natchitoches-Area Capital Outlay Projects
| Project | Proposed Funding |
|---|---|
| Natchitoches Regional Medical Center Ambulatory Tower | $16,600,000 |
| LSMSA Innovation Center | $13,800,000 |
| LA 156 Improvements (Natchitoches/Winn/Grant) | $8,000,000 |
| Replacement of John S. Kyser Hall at NSU | $6,544,641 |
| Goldonna Road Resurfacing | $3,560,000 |
| Natchitoches Levee and Drainage District Levee Project | $3,025,000 |
| Second Street and Touline Street Reconstruction | $2,280,000 |
| J. Bennett Johnston Red River Deepening Project | $400,000 |
| Courthouse Security Improvements | $391,522 |
Total Proposed Funding
$54,601,163
In addition to the projects directly located in Natchitoches Parish, residents could benefit from several regional projects included elsewhere in the capital outlay bill, including navigation and transportation improvements affecting the Red River corridor.
The capital outlay bill must receive final legislative approval and projects must advance through the state’s priority funding process before construction funds are released.
The proposed capital outlay budget directs more than $54 million toward projects in and around Natchitoches Parish, with healthcare, higher education and transportation projects receiving the largest allocations. The largest single project is a $16.6 million ambulatory tower project at Natchitoches Regional Medical Center, followed by a $13.8 million Innovation Center for the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts.