/s/ Michael E. Danahay, President

/s/ S. Mark McMurry, Administrator &

Ex-Officio Secretary

* * * * * * * * * * * *

            President Danahay advised that action was needed on RZ01-019-06 which was a request by Cross Diversified Development Corporation to rezone from A-1 (Agricultural) to R-1 (Single Family Residential) to allow single-family residential development on North Perkins Ferry Road in Ward One, Police Jury District 1, Mr. Manuel’s district. President Danahay further advised that the Planning and Zoning Board had met on Tuesday, June 13, 2006, and voted unanimously to recommend that the request be granted.

            It was moved by Mr. Manuel, seconded by Mr. McMillin and carried unanimously to uphold the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board with respect to RZ01-019-06 and to grant the request to rezone; whereupon, the following ordinance was adopted:

ORDINANCE NO. 5122

AN ORDINANCE amending Chapter 26 - Zoning, of the Code of Ordinances of the Parish of Calcasieu, Louisiana, classifying the area: A request by Cross Diversified Development Corporation to rezone from A-1 (Agricultural) to R-1 (Single Family Residential) to allow single family residential development on the property described as: A portion of Tract II; 80 acres of land located in the W/2 of the NW/4 of S19, T8S, R8W.

            BE IT ORDAINED BY THE POLICE JURY OF CALCASIEU PARISH, LOUISIANA, convened in Regular Session on the 15^th day of June, 2006, that Chapter 26 - Zoning, of the Code of Ordinances of the Parish of Calcasieu, Louisiana, and the Comprehensive Zoning Map for Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, be and they are hereby amended insofar as said ordinance and map pertain to the following property in Ward One of this parish:

From A-1 (Agricultural) to R-1 (Single Family Residential) to allow single family residential development on the property described as: A portion of Tract II; 80 acres of land located in the W/2 of the NW/4 of S19, T8S, R8W.

Zoning Case RZ01-019-06

            BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the rezoning of the above described property is effective this date, classified in accordance with a new zoning District Map (adding to the existing District Map) which is attached to this ordinance to be placed on file in the Office of the Clerk of Court showing the classification of the new area of the above described property.

            THUS DONE AND PASSED BY THE CALCASIEU PARISH POLICE JURY on the date above inscribed. 

                                                                                    /s/ Michael E. Danahay, President

/s/ S. Mark McMurry, Administrator &

Ex-Officio Secretary

* * * * * * * * * * * *

            President Danahay advised that action was needed on ST04-004-06 which was a request by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury for a reclassification study of property located along South Beglis Parkway and the Ravia Road area in Ward Four, Police Jury District 15, Mr. Danahay’s district. He further advised that the Planning and Zoning Board had met on Tuesday, June 13, 2006, and deferred action until its next meeting in July.

            Motion was made by Mr. Landry, seconded by Mrs. Griffin and carried unanimously that action on ST04-004-06 be deferred until a recommendation was received from the Planning and Zoning Board.

            Upon motion made by Mr. Moon, which was duly seconded by Mr. Manuel and carried unanimously, the following resolutions were adopted:

RESOLUTION

            WHEREAS, notification has been received that an application for a Department of the Army Permit has been made to the U.S. Corps of Engineers, and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality with reference to your request for a Department of the Army Permit and a Water Quality Certification to DP Concrete Products, LLC to construct a barge slip with associated dredging. The barge slip will be 200 feet long and 37.5 feet wide. Approximately 54,536 cubic yards of material will be excavated for the slip to achieve a depth of 15 feet mean seal level. The material will be placed in an adjacent upland location. A bulkhead will be constructed around the boat slip. A wetland delineation has been conducted and verified by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (Corps). Implementation of the proposed project would not impact any wetland areas. Said project is located on the Vinton Navigation Channel, approximately 2,000 feet south of the Camp Louise Road and Johnny Breaux Road intersection, in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana; and

            WHEREAS, the staff of the Division of Planning and Development has evaluated the proposal of DP Concrete Products, LLC relative to its compliance with current parish ordinances and provisions, such as zoning classification, flood zone regulations, coastal zone regulations, and required development permits, as well as its impact on the Parish Transportation System; and

            WHEREAS, upon completion of evaluation, the staff of the Division of Planning and Development concluded there is no cause for objection to the permit application based on parish ordinances and provisions, provided all necessary permits are obtained from the Parish Division of Planning and Development prior to commencement of the project.

            NOW THEREFORE,

        BE IT RESOLVED BY THE POLICE JURY OF CALCASIEU PARISH, LOUISIANA, convened in Regular Session on the 15^th day of June, 2006, that it does hereby indicate no objection to the proposal of DP Concrete Products, LLC to construct a barge slip with associated dredging. The barge slip will be 200 feet long and 37.5 feet wide. Approximately 54,536 cubic yards of material will be excavated for the slip to achieve a depth of 15 feet mean seal level. The material will be placed in an adjacent upland location. A bulkhead will be constructed around the boat slip. A wetland delineation has been conducted and verified by the US. Army Corp of Engineers (Corps). Implementation of the proposed project would not impact any wetland areas. Said project is located on the Vinton Navigation Channel, approximately 2,000 feet south of the Camp Louise Road and Johnny Breaux Road intersection, in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana.

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the no objection position of the Police Jury in this permit application is based solely on the evaluation of the parish staff of the project’s effect on current parish ordinances and provisions, provided said work meets with the rules and regulations of the Corps of Engineers and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, subject to Best Management Practices during the course of construction as set forth by EPA guidelines, and approvals are received from all appropriate state and federal agencies, and further, that all necessary development permits are obtained from the Calcasieu Parish Division of Planning and Development prior to commencement of the project.

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a study on the environmental impact of the aforementioned project has not been made due to lack of expertise of the parish staff to accomplish such a study, and the Police Jury requests that agencies and/or individuals with such expertise make an environmental review of said project and forward their findings to the U.S. Corps of Engineers.

            THUS PASSED AND ADOPTED on the date above inscribed.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

 RESOLUTION

            WHEREAS, notification has been received that an application for a Department of the Army Permit has been made to the U.S. Corps of Engineers, and an application for a Water Quality Certification (WQC) has been made to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality by Kara Bay Homeowners Association, Inc. to maintenance dredge and clean-out an existing canal and create marsh islands with dredged material, as shown in the attached drawings. Implementation of the proposed project would impact approximately 0.7 acres of waterbottoms. Said project is located within Kara Bay, adjacent to the Calcasieu River, in the City of Lake Charles, in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana; and

            WHEREAS, the staff of the Division of Planning and Development has evaluated the proposal of FDH Development, Inc. relative to its compliance with current parish ordinances and provisions, such as zoning classification, flood zone regulations, coastal zone regulations, and required development permits, as well as its impact on the Parish Transportation System; and

            WHEREAS, upon completion of evaluation, the staff of the Division of Planning and Development concluded there is no cause for objection to the permit application based on parish ordinances and provisions, since the project is located within the city limits of Lake Charles.

            NOW THEREFORE,

        BE IT RESOLVED BY THE POLICE JURY OF CALCASIEU PARISH, LOUISIANA, convened in regular session on the 15^th day of June, 2006, that it does hereby indicate no objection to the proposal of Kara Bay Homeowners Association, Inc. to maintenance dredge and clean-out an existing canal and create marsh islands with dredged material, as shown in the attached drawings. Implementation of the proposed project would impact approximately 0.7 acres of waterbottoms. Said project is located within Kara Bay, adjacent to the Calcasieu River , in the City of Lake Charles, in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana.

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the no objection position of the Police Jury in this permit application is based solely on the evaluation of the parish staff of the project’s effect on current parish ordinances and provisions.

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a study on the environmental impact of the aforementioned project has not been made due to lack of expertise of the parish staff to accomplish such a study, and the Police Jury requests that agencies and/or individuals with such expertise make an environmental review of said project and forward their findings to the U.S. Corps of Engineers.

            THUS PASSED AND ADOPTED on the date above inscribed.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

RESOLUTION

            WHEREAS, notification has been received that an application for a Department of the Army Permit has been made to the U.S. Corps of Engineers, and an application for a Water Quality Certification (WQC) has been made to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality by Aaron Champagne to clear, grub and grade a 4.1 acre tract, and deposit as fill approximately 3700 cubic yards of on-site graded and excavated earthen material and 300 cubic yards of hauled-in limestone aggregate, all to construct two homesites with associated R.V. storage shed, workshop and pond. Implementation of the proposed project would impact approximately 1.4 acres of wetlands. Said project is located on a vacant lot on Stafford Road, in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana; and

            WHEREAS, the staff of the Division of Planning and Development has evaluated the proposal of Aaron Champagne relative to its compliance with current parish ordinances and provisions, such as zoning classification, flood zone regulations, coastal zone regulations, and required development permits, as well as its impact on the Parish Transportation System; and

            WHEREAS, upon completion of evaluation, the staff of the Division of Planning and Development concluded there is no cause for objection to the permit application based on parish ordinances and provisions, provided all necessary permits are obtained from the Parish Division of Planning and Development prior to commencement of the project.

            NOW THEREFORE,

        BE IT RESOLVED BY THE POLICE JURY OF CALCASIEU PARISH, LOUISIANA, convened in Regular Session on the 15^th day of June, 2006, that it does hereby indicate no objection to the proposal of Aaron Champagne to clear, grub and grade a 4.1 acre tract, and deposit as fill approximately 3700 cubic yards of on-site graded and excavated earthen material and 300 cubic yards of hauled-in limestone aggregate, all to construct two homesites with associated R.V. storage shed, workshop and pond. Implementation of the proposed project would impact approximately 1.4 acres of wetlands. Said project is located on a vacant lot on Stafford Road, in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana.

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the no objection position of the Police Jury in this permit application is based solely on the evaluation of the parish staff of the project’s effect on current parish ordinances and provisions, provided said work meets with the rules and regulations of the Corps of Engineers and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, subject to Best Management Practices during the course of construction as set forth by EPA guidelines, and approvals are received from all appropriate state and federal agencies, and further, that all necessary development permits are obtained from the Calcasieu Parish Division of Planning and Development prior to commencement of the project.

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a study on the environmental impact of the aforementioned project has not been made due to lack of expertise of the parish staff to accomplish such a study, and the Police Jury requests that agencies and/or individuals with such expertise make an environmental review of said project and forward their findings to the U.S. Corps of Engineers.

            THUS PASSED AND ADOPTED on the date above inscribed.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

            Motion was made by Mr. Landry and seconded by Dr. Mackey to adopt a covenant resolution pertaining to the Police Jury proposition to be voted on at the special election to be held in Calcasieu Parish on July 15, 2006, the purpose of which would be to establish certain irrevocable commitments of the Police Jury to the electorate of the Parish as to the specific projects and purposes for which the special taxes and gaming revenues proposed in said proposition were to be utilized.

            Mr. McMurry gave a synopsis of the key points in the proposed covenant resolution, subject to passage of the proposition, as follows: (1) all six municipalities would receive funding from the non-bondable portion of the sales tax, and that percentage would be updated on an annual basis, (2) one-half of one mill of the ad valorem tax, approximately $450,000, would be dedicated to fund the operations of the Southwest Louisiana Partnership for Economic Development which at the current time did not have a stable source of long-term revenue, (3) an economic development reserve account in an amount not to exceed $10 million would be established from the proceeds of the ad valorem tax with appropriation of said funds to be made by the Police Jury upon recommendation by a special economic development review committee to induce and secure industrial and commercial enterprises in the area, (4) once the $10 million was reached as outlined in (3), any additional proceeds could be used either for advance payment on retirement of the bonds or to fund additional capital projects within the core areas delineated, (5) one-quarter percent of the sales tax approved by the voters of Sales Tax District 4-A on July 20, 2002, would not be levied and collected, and (6) the covenant resolution provided adequate protection to the voters in the event of unforeseen circumstances outside the control of the Police Jury that would prohibit it from accomplishing any of the projects.

            Mr. McMurry also discussed the various road projects, drainage improvements, and sewer infrastructure improvements proposed to be done, as presented in more detail in the covenant resolution which follows, and he outlined reasons for the need for said projects. Mr. McMurry also briefly addressed the infrastructure improvements for the municipalities, as well as the need for an airline incentive fund, pointing out that potential businesses cite one airline as being one of the biggest deterrents to them locating in the area. He also discussed the proposed courthouse records digitization project, an economic development facility and incubator, enhancement of the Interstate-10 Gateway Corridor, West Calcasieu Community Center improvements, wetlands center and museum grant fund (the latter being dependent upon those agencies to secure the remaining matching funds to complete the projects), a new emergency operations center/national weather service building which would be built to withstand a Category 5 hurricane, a new library facility in Carlyss, expansion of the DeQuincy, Epps and Moss Bluff library branches, and vocational education improvements.

            Mayor Randy Roach of the City of Lake Charles appeared before the Police Jury and stated that he was very committed to working with the Police Jury in making sure that every covenant was fulfilled, and the taxpayers received all the benefits available under the proposition. Mayor Roach discussed the downtown improvements, pointing out that the $25 million proposed for said project would not totally fund those improvements but would get the project going, pointing out that regardless of whether the decision was to make the downtown area more recreational or more commercial, the $25 million would be spent on infrastructure improvements. Mayor Roach stated that the Louisiana Recovery Authority had rated this project as a number one priority because of its importance to the long-term recovery of the region.

            Mayor Roach stated that he hoped that history would reflect that in the aftermath of the area’s worst natural disaster, the community came together to invest in the future.

            In answer to a question by Mrs. Treme, Mr. McMurry explained that in 2005 the Legislature had enacted legislation to provide for the creation of a gaming district which would require unanimity of the seven governmental entities (the Police Jury and the six municipalities in the Parish) to form such a district, and which would allow the pooling of gaming revenues, as well as a cooperative agreement between those entities as to how the distribution of the funds would take place, the proposal for which he went into detail.

            A general discussion ensued wherein various questions were posed and answered. Mr. McMurry assured the jurors that if the bond proposition failed, the Parish would still be well-funded for the services for which the Police Jury was responsible, but the long-range, generational-type projects included in the bond proposition would not be possible.

            Reverend Wilbert Malbrough, Jr., 209 Booker Street, Lake Charles, appeared before the Police Jury and in answer to his questions, was assured that the projects on the list were not in order of priority and that barring any unforeseen circumstances such as right-of-way or utility relocation issues which would render them cost prohibitive, the projects as listed would be accomplished under the bond proposition.

            A vote was taken on the motion on the floor, and said motion carried unanimously; whereupon, the following resolution was adopted:

2006 COVENANT RESOLUTION

A RESOLUTION PROVIDING COVENANTS OF THE CALCASIEU PARISH POLICE JURY WITH THE ELECTORATE OF CALCASIEU PARISH, LOUISIANA PERTAINING TO A SPECIAL ELECTION TO BE HELD IN CALCASIEU PARISH, LOUISIANA, ON JULY 15, 2006.

            WHEREAS, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana (“Parish”) sustained substantial damages to both the public and private sector interests as well as its general economy as a direct result of Hurricane Rita on September 23 and 24, 2005, the effects of which will continue to be felt for years to come; and

            WHEREAS, among the essential governmental functions with which the Police Jury, governing authority of the Parish, is statutorily charged is its responsibility to provide various mechanisms which foster economic growth to assist the private sector’s recovery from the long term effects on its quality of life caused by Hurricane Rita; and

            WHEREAS, in keeping with its responsibilities and in furtherance of its essential governmental functions, the Police Jury called a special Parishwide election for July 15, 2006, to present to the Parish’s electorate a Proposition for a $200,000,000 bond issue (“bond issue”) which, if approved, would provide the financial means to foster not only the recovery process but also the stimulus for continued economic development for all citizens of the Parish; and

            WHEREAS, the Proposition proposed by the Police Jury provides for expenditure of revenues derived from ad valorem and sales taxes, as well as gaming revenues, for the purposes generally described within the Proposition; and

            WHEREAS, a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (“Agreement”) will be executed between the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury and the City of Lake Charles acknowledging the fact that gaming funds from both entities are being pledged to a funding pool that will contribute to the revenue stream for the bond issue, and setting forth certain responsibilities and obligations of each entity with regard to implementation and execution of the provisions of the bond issue; and

            WHEREAS, the purpose of this 2006 Covenant Resolution is to irrevocably establish for the benefit of the Parish’s electorate the specific projects and purposes for which the special taxes and gaming revenues are to be expended.

            NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Police Jury, governing authority of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana:

            SECTION 1. In the event the Proposition to be considered by the electorate of the Parish at the special election called for July 15, 2006, should be approved and carry, the Police Jury covenants and obligates itself to expend the sales tax, ad valorem tax and gaming revenues, as well as proceeds of the bonds authorized to be issued therein, within the parameters of the expressed vision and core areas, and on the public infrastructure projects, facilities, improvements, and operations within the Parish, more fully described within APPENDIX-A attached hereto.

            SECTION 2. In the event the Proposition to be considered by the electorate of the Parish at the special election called for July 15, 2006, should be approved and carry, the Police Jury covenants and obligates itself to share that portion of the sales tax, not necessary for debt service obligations on the bonds to be issued, among itself and the municipalities of Lake Charles, Sulphur, DeQuincy, Iowa, Vinton, Westlake, and any future municipality to be incorporated within the Parish, pro-rated on the basis of collections within the Parish and each municipality. During the twenty (20) year collection of the sales tax, the collection history in the Parish and each of its municipalities shall be examined and evaluated annually, and the sales tax distribution shall be adjusted each year based upon collection history for the previous year. Sales taxes distributed pursuant to this 2006 Covenant Resolution must be expended by each recipient within the Project areas as defined and authorized within the Proposition proposed on July 15, 2006.

            SECTION 3. In the event the Proposition to be considered by the electorate of the Parish at the special election called for July 15, 2006, should be approved and carry, the Police Jury covenants and obligates itself to expend the ad valorem tax, not necessary for debt service obligations on the bonds to be issued, on economic development activities, and the following described economic development funds, accounts, and operations. In order to secure and provide for future funding of economic development activities, the Parish shall (1) dedicate annually ½ of 1 mill to fund the operations of the Southwest Louisiana Partnership for Economic Development, and (2) establish an economic development reserve account in an amount not to exceed $10,000,000, which together with the earnings thereon shall be utilized to induce and secure placement, or make public infrastructure improvements necessary to induce and secure placement, within the Parish of industrial and commercial enterprises deemed to have a significant positive impact upon the economy of the Parish and the surrounding region. The appropriation of these funds shall be made by the Police Jury upon recommendation by a special economic development review committee, the membership of which will be set forth in the Agreement, and which shall be appointed specifically for the purpose of evaluating and recommending funding of such needs. It is further covenanted that, at any time during the authorization for levy of this ad valorem tax that the aforementioned economic development reserve account is at the maximum stated herein, any additional such tax proceeds beyond the amounts stipulated herein shall be either applied as an advance payment on the bonded indebtedness, or utilized to fund additional capital projects within the core areas delineated in Appendix A.

        SECTION 4. In the event the Proposition to be considered by the electorate of the Parish at the special election called for July 15, 2006, should be approved and carry, the Police Jury covenants and obligates itself to forego its authority to levy and collect an additional one-quarter percent sales tax approved by the voters of Sales Tax District 4-A in the election of July 20, 2002.

            SECTION 5. The terms of this resolution shall constitute and represent a contract between the Police Jury of the Parish and the electorate thereof, and may be relied upon by the Parish’s electorate in determining how they will cast their votes for or against the Proposition at the July 15, 2006 election. In the event the Proposition carries and is approved at the July 15, 2006 election, any interested citizen of the Parish shall be entitled to bring an action at law to enforce the provisions of this 2006 Covenant Resolution.

            SECTION 6. In the event the Proposition fails to carry and be approved by the Parish’s electorate on July 15, 2006, or the taxes, revenues or activities provided for within the Proposition should be declared to be invalid, then and in that event this 2006 Covenant Resolution shall thereupon be null and void.

            SECTION 7. Nothing contained in this 2006 Covenant Resolution is intended to prohibit the Police Jury from hereafter exercising its police powers to supplement and amend the provisions hereof, provided that no material modification shall be made which deprives the Parish’s electorate of any substantial rights guaranteed hereunder, except to correct extraordinary unforeseen problems that may arise outside the control of the Police Jury, and provided that prior to any such modification, the Police Jury will publish a notice of intention describing the proposed change, the reasons therefor, and the date, time, and place at which any interested person may appear to object or be heard. After conducting the advertised public hearing and considering protests and comments by all interested citizens, the Police Jury may adopt, if it so determines, a resolution amending Appendix A, as provided for in the published notice of intention. Any modification that would necessitate a reallocation of funds to a project or expense outside the core areas described in Appendix A could only be accomplished as a result of, and pursuant to, the authority of a supplemental authorizing election. The Police Jury shall be fully empowered to adopt such additional supplements and amendments hereto as will give further assurances and provide the Parish’s electorate with further guarantees or clarify any ambiguity in the covenants herein contained. Any modifications as may be considered under the terms of this paragraph that would have a direct impact on any project under the administrative jurisdiction of the City of Lake Charles will also be subject to the provisions of the Agreement.

            SECTION 8. The Police Jury Secretary is hereby authorized and directed to reproduce in multiple copies this 2006 Covenant Resolution and make it available to all interested Parish citizens who may request a copy in order to determine how such voter shall cast a vote at the July 15, 2006, election. Additionally, this 2006 Covenant Resolution shall be published three (3) times in full prior to July 15, 2006, preceded by the following Public Notice, to-wit:

PUBLIC NOTICE

            PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury adopted the 2006 Covenant Resolution on June 15, 2006, providing for contractual covenants with the voters of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, relative to a Proposition to be presented at a special election on July 15, 2006, with respect to sales tax, ad valorem tax, and gaming revenues, as well as proceeds of the bonds authorized to be issued therein.

            The 2006 Covenant Resolution provides that it shall be a contract between the Police Jury and the voters of Calcasieu Parish on which the voters may rely in determining how they will cast their votes at the July 15, 2006, special election.

            A complete copy of the 2006 Covenant Resolution as adopted by the Police Jury on June 15, 2006, is available upon request to the office of S. Mark McMurry, Parish Administrator and Ex-Officio Secretary of the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury.

            A complete copy of the 2006 Covenant Resolution adopted by the Police Jury on June 15, 2006, is as follows:

(Full text of 2006 Covenant Resolution)

           SECTION 9. All resolutions, ordinances, or orders in conflict herewith, be, to the extent of such conflict, and they are hereby repealed.

                        Adopted and approved on this 15^th day of June, 2006.

ATTEST:                                                                       /s/ Michael E. Danahay

                                                                                    MICHAEL E. DANAHAY, President

  /s/ S. Mark McMurry

S. MARK McMURRY, Secretary

APPENDIX-A

Calcasieu 2025 Bond Proposition

A Partnership for Progress

Vision

Create a future that: Inspires, Invests, and Insures

Economic stability and a high quality of life

 for the next generation and beyond

Background

In 2004, Calcasieu Parish and City of Lake Charles officials began discussions about the possibility of pooling all of the public entities’ gaming revenues in the parish in order that parishwide priorities could be established and equitably funded. Along the way it became clear that bigger issues than gaming fund allocations were at stake. The discussions evolved into a focus on building and sustaining a strong community for not just the next few years, but for generations. Hurricane Rita and its aftermath convinced local officials more than ever that for a community to grow and prosper, it must invest in itself for today’s needs and tomorrow’s needs as well.

Proposal – Key Elements

Out of these meetings and additional discussions with officials from other municipalities within Calcasieu Parish, the following proposal was developed:

∙    Develop a 20-year bond issue proposal, the proceeds of which would be dedicated to high impact, generational projects that inspire private investment to expand and diversify Calcasieu’s economy. The amount of the bond proposal would be at a level that the public entities could reasonably ask the citizens of the parish to fund.

∙    Pledge a significant portion of all gaming funds generated within the parish to this economy-expanding effort without regard to jurisdictional boundaries.

∙    Approach the State and also federal agencies, seeking a commitment to match this effort, primarily through potential funding sources identified by the Louisiana Recovery Authority.

∙    Create special tax-sharing formulas allowing for benefits from non-bondable program revenues to be shared by all jurisdictions.

∙    Dedicate a portion of the non-bondable program revenues to an economic expansion reserve fund to be utilized as matching funds on private sector high impact projects.

Project Core Areas

Building and sustaining a stable economy and a good quality of life for the citizenry is an ongoing process that requires substantial investment by both the public and private sectors. In order to stimulate private investment, the public sector must do its part by investing in several core areas, as described below.

Infrastructure: Major Road Projects – Comprehensive Drainage Improvements Sewerage Construction/Expansion

Providing effective transportation routes and other physical infrastructure is crucial for the economic and social health of a community. Citizens and businesses must have sufficient mobility and access to basic utilities in order to thrive. This category includes the building and expansion of roadways as well as large drainage projects needed for flood prevention and protection. It also includes the installation or upgrade of sewerage facilities in densely populated areas not currently served.

Downtown Public InfrastructureDowntown development is worthy of its own category, as this area of a community is typically an indicator of the region’s economic health. Economically and culturally active downtown areas are a vital component of successful metropolitan areas. Investments in downtown Lake Charles provide benefits to all of Calcasieu Parish, and indeed, all of Southwest Louisiana.

Business Development & TourismIn a sense, all investments in a community may be considered a form of business development. For the purposes of this proposal, business development includes projects that are designed specifically to stimulate economic expansion by the private sector. Tourism generates significant economic activity for the parish, and therefore projects are included which will capitalize on our region’s unique cultural and physical characteristics.

Public Safety and Emergency Response

A primary function of local government is to provide for the public safety of its citizens. The experience of Hurricane Rita emphasized the importance of investing adequately in facilities that will ensure effective preparation for and response to natural disasters and other emergency situations.

Education

A strong educational system is required for communities to develop, maintain a vibrant workforce, as well as for providing other benefits to the community. Educational outlets exist both within and outside of formal school systems. Resources directed toward these facilities will help ensure a brighter future for today’s younger generations in Calcasieu Parish and for those to come.

Project Listing

Building a stable and sustainable economy will require investments in each of the core areas described above. However, there will