More infrastructure is coming to Center Street near the area of the Louisiana PepperPlex after the New Iberia City Council approved the construction of sidewalks from Sucrose Drive to Queen City Drive.

The project was largely possible thanks to Councilman David Broussard, who said he has advocated for sidewalks in the area since his early days in political office 20 years ago.

“When I first started, that was one of my big beefs, getting bikes and people off that road,” Broussard said at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. “It’s been a long road to travel.”

Funding for the project was made available to Broussard’s District 3 Fund in the budget as well as the General Fund and the Highway 10 Tax Fund, which operates as a tax increment financing district for the Louisiana 10 area.

Broussard thanked the council for their support in the project, as well as Mayor Freddie DeCourt.

The sidewalk will alleviate foot traffic off Center Street in the area, which has a high volume of motor traffic. The sidewalk will extend from the Louisiana PepperPlex all the way to Lowe’s.

DeCourt said he sees that area of New Iberia as the next spot for growth. With Admiral Doyle Drive “filling up” with businesses, DeCourt expects that area to get its share of new businesses in the coming years.

“I really think that’s an area we need to focus on with infrastructure,” DeCourt said. “This is an area for potential growth, we’re already working with developers now.”

Broussard, who is being termed out after this year, said the project will add more attraction for businesses while also keeping local residents safer.

“This will be impressive for future businesses and it’s going to keep the people safe,” he said.