On Monday, November 13, 2023, at the Sliman Theater we held our annual State of the Parish presentation. This event provides an invaluable opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made as a community and to outline the path forward for Iberia Parish. I would like to share a few highlights from that presentation.

First, I would like to draw attention to how hard I and my administration have worked to improve the financial stability of Iberia Parish Government. In 2016, our parish government had 29 days of Cash on Hand. This represents how many days of cash we have available to run the government in case of an emergency. Today we have increased that fund to represent 256 days of available cash. In my eight years in office, we have increased this fund 783%.

Next, I would like to mention the remarkable advancements that have been made in Water Works District #1 (Coteau), a region that has faced persistent challenges. We have dedicated multiple resources to address the issues that were affecting the Coteau area. We can assure our Coteau residents that they have access to safe and reliable water services.

The State of the Parish presentation also highlighted some of the exciting developments taking place in Iberia Parish. Delta Biofuel’s $100 million project in Patoutville is set to be a transformative endeavor, creating 126 jobs with an average salary of $62,500 plus benefits. First Solar, the largest solar manufacturing company in the Western Hemisphere, has chosen Iberia Parish as the location for its newest manufacturing plant. Representing a $1.1 billion investment, this state-of-the-art facility spanning 2.3 million square feet will generate 700 jobs with an average salary of $80,000 plus benefits.

These are just a couple of the projects currently underway. They exemplify our commitment to economic growth and job creation in Iberia Parish. The collaboration between public and private sectors exhibits our determination to build a vibrant and prosperous community.

As new companies, such as these, move into Iberia Parish we must make sure we have the infrastructure in place to support not only the companies themselves but the families that will follow. We have placed a strong focus on new road development. Construction is complete on Innovation Boulevard, Access Way and a new roundabout at Corporate Drive (LA Hwy 3212). Currently, construction is underway to straighten Louisiana Highway 88 from U.S. 90 through Coteau. Both of these projects improve access to Acadiana Regional Airport from US Hwy 90.

In October, I and members of our state delegation went before the Louisiana Joint Legislative Committee to request funds to construct the extension of Hanger Drive to Louisiana Highway 3212 while adding a roundabout and turning lanes to Louisiana Highway 3212. We were awarded $16 million to complete this project, which will begin in 2024.

This is only the second time in history that the Legislative Committee has awarded funds from the Capital Outlay Savings. I am very proud of this accomplishment and would like to thank Senator Bret Allain, Senator Elect Blake Miguez, Senator Fred Mills, Rep. Beau Beauilleau and Rep. Denise Marcelle for their unwavering support.

I would also like to thank Governor John Bel Edwards for his continuing support. This would not have been possible without their commitment to the betterment of Iberia Parish.

Now it is our turn to show our commitment to improving our home. We must do our part. I ended my State of the Parish presentation with a request. In April 2024 I will ask the residents of Iberia Parish to vote to approve a .75 sales tax for a dedicated road fund.

This fund will address road maintenance and overlay of the 400+ miles of Iberia Parish

roadways. Our Public Works department does an outstanding job with the limited resources we have. It takes $1.3 million to maintain our roads annually. This tax will provide approximately $4.8 million annually which will allow us the ability to provide the necessary overlay to get our roads back in top condition.

As we move forward, it will take us all working together to shape the future of Iberia Parish and I thank you for your ongoing commitment to our community.

The State of The Parish presentation is available on the Iberia Parish Government website (www.iberiaparishgovernment.com) for your viewing.

M. Larry Richard is parish president of Iberia Parish.