Anum Siddiqui | Original Article
JEFFERSON PARISH, La. — Jefferson Parish and state officials break ground for phase one of the Westbank Expressway underpass beautification project.
Parish leaders say this project converts roughly eight miles of the Westbank Expressway corridor into a park-like setting. The project is funded by truck and trailer fees in Jefferson Parish.
Councilman at large Ricky Templet says redeveloping this area allows for regulations against homelessness encampments.
"The West Bank Expressway underpasses have been on my mind for some time now. We will install landscape beds, decorative rock, hardscaping, and new signage. And by doing so, we will have the ability to enact ordinances like no camping or confine hours of use," said Templet.
This legislative session Senator Patrick Connic introduced a law that will allow Louisiana to lease the land to the parish, making it easier to ban encampment.
“The launch of this project has been years in the making. The area under the Expressway has been an eyesore, and this project will change that for the better. We are converting unused land into a beautification project that will enhance quality of life on the West Bank and will even help us improve drainage," said Connic.
Phase one of the project will cost more than a million dollars and is set to be done in December.