Baton Rouge Press Releases

DISTRICT 6 COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS MEETING

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

Join Councilwoman Donna Collins-Lewis for a District 6 Community Christmas Meeting on Tuesday, December 8, 6pm at BREC Headquarters, 6201 Florida Blvd. Special guests will be Senator Sharon Weston Broome, Representative Regina Barrow and Representative Michael Jackson. Councilwoman Collins-Lewis is encouraging citizens of District 6 to bring a wrapped Christmas toy or gift for a needy child to the meeting. The toys will be distributed to needy children who attend school in District 6. If you are unable to attend this meeting and would like to donate a toy or gift, please call Councilwoman Collins-Lewis at 389-5165 or email council-dist6@brgov.com.

Council OKs Landfill Methane Gas Contract

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

The Metro Council approved a contract Wednesday that is projected to net taxpayers $33 million over the next 20 years by selling methane gas from the North Baton Rouge Landfill.

The contract with Siemens Building Technology Inc. and Baton Rouge Renewable Energy LLC will collect methane gas that is currently being flared at the North Landfill and deliver it to ExxonMobil�s Baton Rouge Polyolefins Plant and Novolyte Technologies Chemical Plant. The methane gas will be used as a substitute for natural gas as a boiler fuel at both plants.

City-parish Public Works Director Pete Newkirk said the project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the North Baton Rouge area equal to removing 59,000 cars from the road or planting 73,000 new acres of pine forests.

Under the 20-year contract, Siemens and Baton Rouge Renewable Energy will rebate a portion of the royalties � which figures to average about $1.65-million per year � back to the city-parish.

In 2007, Siemens won the right to develop the project after a competitive bidding process. Baton Rouge Renewable Energy will finance and own the project, while Siemens will design and build it.

The goal of the project, according to Newkirk, is the design, construct and operate a plant to extract methane gas from the landfill at no cost to the city-parish, and to provide the city-parish with a revenue stream.

The project will install a methane gas collection system at the landfill, along with a 3.75-mile long pipeline to transport the methane gas to ExxonMobil and a 1.5-mile pipeline to carry it to the Novolyte Technologies plant.

Construction is slated to begin on the landfill gas collection system and pipelines in November. The project is expected to be fully operational in the summer of 2010.

As part of the arrangement, the city-parish is slated to receive a $100,000 good-faith advance on the methane royalties in February of 2010.

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More Road Closures for �Battle: Los Angeles� Filming

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

Filming for the motion picture, �Battle: Los Angeles,� will require road closures this week in the City Park area, underneath the Interstate 110 between Laurel and North streets, and on several local streets near the Choctaw Drive-Plank Road intersection.

The production involves numerous special effects, so residents and passing motorists should not be alarmed to see smoke and pyrotechnics at times.

Beginning at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 21, the production will be shooting scenes beneath I-110 between Laurel and North streets for 12 hours, which will necessitate the closing of two Interstate 110 ramps in that area.. A third ramp will be subject to intermittent closures by police during that period.

The Main Street entrance ramp onto northbound I-110 will be closed from 6 p.m. Wednesday until 6 a.m. Thursday, as will Main Street between 9th and 10th streets.

The I-110 northbound exit ramp onto North Street will be closed from 8 p.m. Wednesday until 6 a.m. Thursday, and the southbound I-110 exit ramp onto Laurel Street will be subject to intermittent closures by police during those same hours.

In addition, North Street between 9th and 10th streets will be closed from 6 p.m. Wednesday until 6 p.m. Thursday, as will 10th Street between Florida Boulevard and North Street.

Adjacent streets may be subject to police-controlled, short-term intermittent closures.

That same evening, crews will be filming near intersection of Plank Road and Choctaw Drive, necessitating the closing of three local streets from 5 p.m. Wednesday until 7 a.m. Thursday. The local roads to be closed include Monroe Avenue from Scenic Highway to Plank Road, Hiawatha Street from Monroe Avenue to Adams Avenue, and Tecumseh Street from Monroe to Adams Avenue. Alternate routes include Choctaw Drive, Scenic Highway, Plank Road and Adams Avenue.

In the City Park area, the movie will require closing two sections of East Lakeshore Drive from 10 a.m. Thursday until 9 a.m. Saturday. The closure will include the portion of E. Lakeshore Drive east of Dalrymple Drive between the City Park Golf Course and City Park Lake, as well as the section of East Lakeshore Drive that runs along the east side of City Park from Robert Street near the railroad tracks to the lake.

In addition, the section of Dalrymple Drive from East Washington Street to East Lakeshore Drive will experience police-controlled intermittent closures for the filming Thursday and Friday evening. (Please see the map below.) Alternate routes will include Dalrymple Drive and Lake Hills Parkway.

For additional information, contract the city-parish Department of Public Works Traffic Engineering Division at 389-3246.

Policed Controlled & Intermittent Closures

Complete Closure

Note to editors: The producers of "Battle: Los Angeles" have a very strict protocol for local media coverage.

All media inquiries about set visits, interviews, etc. should be sent writing to Brooke Ensign. Her email is brooke@tribeca111.com.

Your cooperation is appreciated.

South Harrell�s Ferry Road Project to Break Ground

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

Baton Rouge, LA � Mayor-President Melvin L. �Kip� Holden will host a groundbreaking for the South Harrell�s Ferry Road � Segment 1 Project in the Green Light Plan at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2009 in the project right-of-way with parking at 11930 South Harrell�s Ferry Road, marking the start of construction on the twentieth Green Light Plan roadway project.

�As we break ground on another key project within the Green Light Plan, we are again reminded of the purpose of the Green Light Plan: to upgrade our streets and roads so that our citizens spend less time in traffic and get to work and home quicker,� said Mayor-President Melvin �Kip� Holden. �When combined with the Southeast Area Group project and other projects within the Green Light Plan, the South Harrell�s Ferry Road � Segment 1 project will expand a key roadway in southeast Baton Rouge and becomes yet another important component in our effort to build high-quality road systems within major growth areas of the parish.�

With a construction cost of $13.2 million and an anticipated completion date of August 2011, the South Harrell�s Ferry Road � Segment 1 project will add two additional through lanes, sidewalks, and a raised median from Sherwood Forest Boulevard to Millerville Road. The project will require two bridges (one eastbound lane bridge and one westbound lane bridge) crossing Jones Creek, and will extend the improvements on South Harrell's Ferry Road east to Millerville Road. When combined with other projects in the Plan, it will provide an improved east-west connection in the area.

Groundbreaking Participants

From East Baton Rouge Parish:

Mayor-President Melvin L. �Kip� Holden, East Baton Rouge City-Parish

Representative Hunter V. Greene, District 66, Louisiana House of Representatives

Mayor-Pro Tem Mike Walker, East Baton Rouge City-Parish

Mike Futrell, Chief Administrative Officer, East Baton Rouge City-Parish

From the Department of Public Works:

Peter Newkirk, P.E., Director

Bryan Harmon, P.E., Deputy Director / Chief Engineer

Ingolf Partenheimer, P.E., Deputy Director / Chief Traffic Engineer

Jose Alvarez, P.E., Chief Construction Engineer

From the Green Light Plan; CSRS, Inc.:

Michael Songy, P.E., Program Director

Brad Ponder, P.E., Program Manager

From the Engineering Consultant; ABMB Engineers, Inc.:

Mr. Mike Bruce, P.E.

Mr. Gary Heitman, P.E.

Ms. Cindy Hall, P.E.

From the Contractor; James Construction Group, LLC:

Mr. Scott Ashmore

###

Chinese medical firm plans EBR manufacturing plant

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

The Chairman and CEO of China-based Huiheng Medical Inc. announced Tuesday that his company plans to build a manufacturing plant in Baton Rouge to produce cutting-edge equipment in the fight against cancer.

Xiaobing Hui said through an interpreter that his company has an application for FDA approval of the revolutionary Whole Body Gamma Knife in the U.S., and expects to begin building the proposed Baton Rouge plant in mid-2010. No site has yet been selected, he said.

The plant�s initial phase is expected to create 100 to 200 jobs that would pay an average of $65,000 to $75,000 per year, Hui said. The equipment will be sold in the global market, and is expected to generate revenues of $300 million per year.

Huiheng Medical Inc. specializes in large-scale radiotherapy equipment and has developed a Stereotactic Gamma-Ray Treatment system that has been successfully used for head, body and whole-body cancer treatment. The company is applying for a U.S. patent for a device that has already been used in many hospitals all over the world to treat millions of cancer patients.

Hui told reporters Tuesday that his decision to invest in Baton Rouge was the direct result of Mayor-President Melvin �Kip� Holden�s visit to China last April.

�You�ve got a great mayor � he came to my office in China, and personally invited me to come to Baton Rouge,� Hui said.

Hui said he considered other American cities, including Houston and San Francisco, but decided on Baton Rouge Tuesday after visiting Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at Our Lady of the Lake Medical Center and Pennington Cancer Center at the Baton Rouge General Medical Center.

Holden said Baton Rouge already has one of the strongest job markets in the U.S., and noted that the Huiheng announcement is another feather in the city�s cap.

Holden said he was warmly received by Huiheng officials during his trip to China.

�This company was very excited about the possibility of coming here, and they opened their arms and we spent a day an a half in meetings,� Holden said.

Huiheng is the only company in the world today capable of producing Whole Body Gamma Knife that treats cancer tumors with radiation from different directions.

Unlike its Swedish competitor whose treatment is only for the head, Huiheng is for both the head and body tumor treatment.

The company already has global patents for its core technology and recently received CFDA approval.

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City-Parish to Break Ground on Largest Green Light Project To-Date

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

Baton Rouge, LA � Mayor-President Melvin L. �Kip� Holden will host a groundbreaking for the Southeast Area Group Project in the Green Light Plan at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2009, marking the start of construction on the nineteenth Green Light Plan roadway project.

�The Southeast Area Group Project is one of the largest infrastructure projects in the history of our city-parish to reach the groundbreaking stage and signifies yet another monumental achievement within the highly successful Green Light Plan,� said Mayor-President Melvin �Kip� Holden. �With over $130 million in Green Light projects currently under construction, the Green Light Plan continues to be a national model for efficient and effective road improvement programs as it maintains an unparalleled standard for success in city-parish government.�

With a construction cost of $28.4 million and an anticipated completion date of September 2011, the Southeast Area Group Project consists of the three separate projects located in southeast Baton Rouge: South Harrell�s Ferry Road � Segment 2, O�Neal Lane (LA 3245) Improvements � Segment 1 and O�Neal Lane Embankment for Knox Branch and Jones Creek.

The South Harrell�s Ferry Road � Segment 2 project will add two additional through lanes, sidewalks, and a raised median from a point west of the Millerville Intersection to a point east of the O�Neal Lane Intersection, including a new intersection with Jones Creek Road. The project will require a new drainage crossing and raised roadway at the Knox Branch crossing (between Jones Creek Road and O'Neal Lane). When combined with other projects included in the Green Light Plan, it will provide an improved east-west connection for the area, as well as an improved north-south connection between Jones Creek Road and Interstate 12.

The O�Neal Lane � Segment 1 project will add two additional through lanes, sidewalks and a raised median from a point south of the South Harrell's Ferry Road Intersection to 1,250 feet south of Interstate 12. When combined with other projects included in the Green Light Plan, this project will provide the city-parish with an improved north-south connection extending from Nicholson Drive to Hooper Road.

The O�Neal Lane Embankment (between George O�Neal and S. Harrell�s Ferry Road) project consists of the clearing and grubbing and placement of embankment for the Jones Creek and Knox Branch crossings in preparation for roadway and bridge construction on the O�Neal Lane project. The final design for the O�Neal Lane project is currently underway and is scheduled to receive construction bids in early 2010.

Groundbreaking Participants

From East Baton Rouge Parish:

Mayor-President Melvin L. �Kip� Holden, East Baton Rouge City-Parish

Representative Hunter V. Greene, District 66, Louisiana House of Representatives

Mayor-Pro Tem Mike Walker, East Baton Rouge City-Parish

Metro Councilmember Joel Bo�, District 9

Mike Futrell, Chief Administrative Officer, East Baton Rouge City-Parish

From the Department of Public Works:

Peter Newkirk, P.E., Director

Bryan Harmon, P.E., Deputy Director / Chief Engineer

Ingolf Partenheimer, P.E., Deputy Director / Chief Traffic Engineer

Jose Alvarez, P.E., Chief Construction Engineer

From the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development:

Guy Leonard, P.E.

Debbie Guest, P.E.

From the Green Light Plan; CSRS, Inc.:

Michael Songy, P.E., Program Director

Brad Ponder, P.E., Program Manager

From the Engineering Consultant; Shaw Group:

Ms. Mary Danka, P.E.

Mr. Alan Krouse, P.E.

From the Engineering Consultant; Evans-Graves Engineers, Inc.:

Mr. C.J. Roth, P.E.

Mr. Gerry Menard, P.E.

From the Contractor; Barber Brothers Contracting Company, LLC:

Mr. Hilliard Barber

Mr. Louis Wittie

###

Brightside Lane Project to Break Ground

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

Baton Rouge, LA � Mayor-President Melvin L. �Kip� Holden will host a groundbreaking for the Brightside Lane project in the Green Light Plan at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2009, marking the start of construction on the eighteenth Green Light Plan roadway project.

�As we break ground on yet another Green Light project, we remind the citizens of East Baton Rouge Parish of our commitment to clearing up congestion on our most bottlenecked roadways as we work to get traffic moving,� said Mayor-President Kip Holden. �These projects were voted on overwhelmingly by the citizens of our great city-parish, and we continue to press forward in breaking ground on projects and completing them with speed and efficiency.�

With a construction cost of $7.1 million and an anticipated completion date of June 2010, the Brightside Lane project will provide a two-lane roadway with a continuous center turn lane from River Road to west of Nicholson Drive. The project will include sidewalks, dedicated bike lanes on both sides of the road and new turning lanes on River Road at Brightside Lane.

Groundbreaking Participants

FromEast Baton Rouge Parish:

Mayor-President Melvin L. �Kip� Holden, East Baton Rouge City-Parish

Representative Hunter V. Greene, District 66, Louisiana House of Representatives

Mayor-Pro Tem Mike Walker, East Baton Rouge City-Parish

Metro Councilmember Chandler Loupe, District 3

Metro Councilmember R.J. �Smokie� Bourgeois, District 12

Mike Futrell, Chief Administrative Officer, East Baton Rouge City-Parish

From the Department of Public Works:

Peter Newkirk, P.E., Director

Bryan Harmon, P.E., Deputy Director / Chief Engineer

Ingolf Partenheimer, P.E., Deputy Director / Chief Traffic Engineer

Jose Alvarez, P.E., Chief Construction Engineer

From the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development:

Guy Leonard, P.E.

Debbie Guest, P.E.

From the Green Light Plan; CSRS, Inc.:

Michael Songy, P.E., Program Director

Brad Ponder, P.E., Program Manager

From the Engineering Consultant; URS Corporation, Inc.:

Ms. Suzanne McCain

Mr. Craig Gardner

From the Contractor; F.G. Sullivan, Jr. Contractor, LLC:

Mr. Steve Strickland

Mr. Jessie Spence

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New EBR Litter Court Aimed at Trash, Debris

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

July 31, 2009

For release: IMMEDIATELY

For more information contact:

Irma Plummer, Mayor�s Assistant Chief Administration Officer: (225) 389-5108

Susan Boudreaux, Mayor�s Office: (225) 389-5101

Scott Dyer, Mayor�s Office: (225) 389-7957 Cell (225) 892-8754

New EBR Litter Court Aimed at Trash, Debris

Program also targets Illegal signs, overgrown lots and neglected pools

Property owners who let trash and debris accumulate on their property could find themselves in Litter Court under Mayor-President Melvin �Kip� Holden�s new program to clean up East Baton Rouge Parish.

Under the new program, slated to kick off on August 1, city-parish workers will take photos of violations and feed them into a computerized system that will generate warning letters and hearing notices. Property owners who refuse to correct the problems will go before an administrative hearing officer, who can assess a $117 fine for each violation.

The program targets trash and debris, overgrown weeds and grass more than 12 inches in height, swimming pools that are neglected or lack proper security, illegal signs, and garbage bins that are left on the curb for extended periods of time.

The new program will have at least one inspector assigned to each of the 12 Metro Council districts.

City-Parish Complaint Resolution Manager, Neal Bezet, applauded the extra manpower, noting that he previously had only four code enforcement personnel to cover all of East Baton Rouge Parish,

In addition to code enforcement officers, some workers from the Mayor�s Office of Neighborhoods will also serve as inspectors for the new blight enforcement program.

In addition to taking photos of trash and debris, overgrown weeds and grass, illegal signs and unsafe swimming pools, the inspectors will enforce limits how long garbage bins can remain on the curb.

Irma Plummer, the Mayor�s assistant chief administrative officer, said that garbage bins are not supposed to be placed on the curb until 4 p.m. the day before regularly scheduled garbage pickup. Additionally, the garbage bins are to be retrieved from the curb by 6 a.m. the day after pickup, she said.

�There are people who put their cans out on the curb and never bring them back,� Plummer said.

In addition, the program targets illegal signs. Signs are prohibited in medians and roadside right of way, and on utility poles, Plummer said.

�Garage sale signs are okay, as long as they aren�t abandoned,� Plummer said. �They can put them up a couple of days before the garage sales, but they need to be taken down by the day after the garage sale.�

Bezet said that under the new program, violators can be fined $117 for each illegal sign that is confiscated.

�We believe that $117 per sign will get their attention. Under the old system, we�d remove the signs during the morning, and they�d put more back up that same afternoon,� Bezet said.

Property owners with swimming pools can also be cited for failure to properly maintain them, Bezet said.

Pools with stagnant or dirty water, vegetation and other conditions that could harbor reptiles, pests or mosquitoes can be cited for violations. The pool owners can also be cited for failing to keep the pool secure with a fence that�s at least five feet high and a self-latching gate.

The violations include homes that are vacant and abandoned, and also target any conditions that attract rodents, mosquitoes or other pests.

Instead of going to state district court to get permission to clean up blighted property, the new system will channel the violation to an administrative hearing officer with the authority to order the clean-up.

Bezet said that East Baton Rouge residents can file a complaint about blighted property, illegal signs or other violations by calling 3-1-1.

The cases will be handled in a new streamlined process under an administrative hearing officer who has the authority to give city-parish employees legal access to clean up blighted property, and assess the clean-up costs on the owner�s annual property bill.

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West Nile Virus Activity Increasing

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

West Nile Virus (WNV) Infection Rates in mosquitoes increased significantly in EBR Parish and some other south Louisiana parishes recently. And three (3) wild birds from EBR Parish tested positive for WNV last week. In addition, there have been cases of WNV and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in horses in south Louisiana in recent weeks. WNV and EEE cycle between wild birds and mosquitoes and can be transmitted to horses and people by the bite of infected mosquitoes. Mosquito control personnel are advising people to protect themselves from biting mosquitoes and empty water filled containers around the home. Horse owners should also work with their veterinarian to have their horses vaccinated for both WNV and EEE.

EBR Parish mosquito control workers advise that the WNV infection rate among Southern House Mosquitoes increased to 6.4 infected mosquitoes per 1000 mosquitoes tested. Matthew Yates, Director of EBRPMARC, says that infection rates of 5 or more in Southern House Mosquitoes during July has historically preceded human cases of WNV in EBR Parish. Twenty (20) mosquito samples collected from sixteen (16) separate locations around the parish tested positive for WNV, so virus activity is widespread. Samples of the Asian Tiger Mosquito, which is a day time biter, and the Southern House mosquito, which bites at night both tested positive last week. These species breed in water filled containers around homes and businesses and can transmit WNV.

Mosquitoes become infected with WNV, EEE, Saint Louis Encephalitis (SLE) and other mosquito borne viruses when they bite wild birds, such as Cardinals and House Sparrows, infected with these diseases. Some of the 47 mosquito species in the parish can then transmit WNV, EEE or Saint Louis Encephalitis (SLE) to a person when it bites. One Cardinal, one House Sparrow and one Chickadee, from two separate locations, tested positive for WNV last week. People do not get WNV, EEE or SLE from contact with wild birds or horses, only from the bite of a mosquito which has bitten an infected bird.

Wild birds frequently visit bird feeders and often seek water in bird baths and other items around homes. The Southern House Mosquito and Asian Tiger Mosquito both like to lay eggs in containers around homes and both these species can transmit mosquito borne disease. Recent rain events have provided numerous mosquito breeding sites around homes and businesses. Mosquito control personnel are urging citizens to check around their home and locate and empty water filled containers every week when they take the trash can to the curb for garbage pickup. Other precautions include:

Remember to use these steps to protect yourself:

�

Dump standing water � tires, buckets, birdbaths, flowerpots, and even soda cans can become �mosquito nurseries�.

�

Defend your house � make sure screens on windows and doors are tight fitting and in good repair.

�

Defend yourself � when outdoors at dusk and dawn, use a mosquito repellent. The active ingredients DEET, Picaridin, IR 3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus are the longest lasting and most effective.

Citizens may call EBRMARC at 356-3297 for assistance between 7:00 AM � 3:30 PM Monday - Friday. The service is free. For more information contact Matthew Yates or Rod Wells at 356-3297 or 356-3318 or email myates@brgov.com or Rwells@brgov.com

H1N1 Infuenza Information

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

H1N1 Influenza and You

What is H1N1 flu? H1N1 Influenza (H1N1 flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get H1N1 flu, but human infections can and do happen. H1N1 flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.

Baton Rouge Fire Dept. - Ground Breaking Ceremony - July 21, 2009

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

On Tuesday, July 21, 2009, the Baton Rouge Fire Department will conduct the �Ground Breaking Ceremony� for new Fire Station #7. The ground breaking will take place at (Claycut at Jefferson) at 11:00 a.m.

This new station will replace the current Fire Station #7 which was constructed in 1951 (58 years) at 112 N. Foster Drive. The building will be slightly less than 10,000 square feet in size, having room for four bays for Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) equipment and personnel manning each unit.

If you have any questions, contact the Baton Rouge Fire Department Public Information Office at (225) 354-1410.

Pecue Re-Alignment at Perkins Road Project to Break Ground

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

Baton Rouge, LA � Mayor-President Melvin L. �Kip� Holden will host a groundbreaking for the Pecue Re-Alignment at Perkins Road project in the Green Light Plan at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2009, marking the start of construction on the seventeenth Green Light Plan roadway project.

�The Green Light Plan continues to move forward with the construction of yet another project, and the seventh to reach the construction phase in less than a year�s time,� said Mayor-President Kip Holden. �Improvements like the ones included in the Pecue Re-Alignment project are critical to the sustainable growth and future of our city-parish as we work within the Green Light Plan to widen roadways, improve intersections, synchronize traffic signals, and spur our local economy by continuing to create jobs and move projects ahead.�

With a construction cost of $2.2 million and an anticipated completion date of January 2010, the Pecue Re-Alignment at Perkins Road project will realign the existing Pecue Lane at Perkins Road into the existing Pecue Lane at the Kansas City Southern railroad. Currently, the north and south legs of Pecue Lane are offset approximately 400 feet at their respective intersections with Perkins Road. The project also includes new traffic signalization at the new Realigned Pecue Lane and Perkins Road intersection. When combined with the existing Stumberg Lane project, the Stumberg Lane Extension, and proposed Pecue Lane and I-10 Interchange, a south-north connection will be provided that extends from Perkins Road to Coursey Boulevard. The project will provide an alternative to both Siegen Lane and Highland Road once the I-10 diamond interchange is constructed.

Groundbreaking Participants

From East Baton Rouge Parish:

Mayor-President Melvin L. �Kip� Holden, East Baton Rouge City-Parish

Representative Hunter V. Greene, District 66, Louisiana House of Representatives

Mayor-Pro Tem Mike Walker, East Baton Rouge City-Parish

Metro Councilmember Chandler Loupe, District 3

Metro Councilmember Joel Boe, District 9

Mike Futrell, Chief Administrative Officer, East Baton Rouge City-Parish

From the Department of Public Works:

Peter Newkirk, P.E., Director

Bryan Harmon, P.E., Deputy Director / Chief Engineer

Ingolf Partenheimer, P.E., Deputy Director / Chief Traffic Engineer

Jose Alvarez, P.E., Chief Construction Engineer

From the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development:

Guy Leonard, P.E.

Debbie Guest, P.E.

From the Green Light Plan; CSRS, Inc.:

Michael Songy, P.E., Program Director

Brad Ponder, P.E., Program Manager

From the Engineering Consultant; Evans-Graves Engineers, Inc.:

Mr. C.J. Roth, P.E.

Mr. Gerry Menard, P.E.

From the Contractor; Boone Services, Inc.:

Mr. Tracy Boone

Mr. Dustin Bouey

###

Mayor: Stand up and Make a Difference in War on Crime

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

Mayor Melvin �Kip� Holden urged local residents Tuesday night to stand up and make a difference by working with law enforcement officers to solve the recent rash of murders.

�We have to make this story known across this city and parish, that we will not be intimidated by those who choose the wrong path,� Holden said at a press conference at the Living Faith Christian Center in North Baton Rouge.

The Mayor asked residents with information about the five recent murders in the nearby Brookstown area to contact authorities through the local Crime Stoppers hotline at 344-STOP. Tipsters can give the information anonymously, and they don�t have to fear being seen talking to police.

�Right now, I firmly believe in my heart that somebody knows who shot and killed that lady on her front porch last night. Somebody knows who did the killing of the three individuals last week,� Holden said.

The Mayor issued a special plea to parents with youngsters who might be involved in criminal activities.

�Parents, you cannot allow your children to play two roles � that of loving son or daughter, and that of criminal,� Holden said.

The victims may be strangers today, but could be family or friends tomorrow, the Mayor said.

He said everyone in East Baton Rouge parish should be concerned about the recent murders, even though the most recent killings may have taken place in another neighborhood, or even on the other side of town.

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MOSQUITO BORNE DISEASE ALERT

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

West Nile Virus (WNV) Infection Rates in Southern House mosquitoes are increasing in the area and there have been several Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) cases in horses in southern Louisiana recently. Both WNV and EEE cycle between wild birds and mosquitoes and can be transmitted to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Because of the increase in WNV and EEE activity in mosquitoes and horses, mosquito control personnel are advising people to protect themselves from biting mosquitoes and empty water filled containers around the home to reduce potential mosquito breeding sites. Horse owners should also work with their veterinarian to have their horses vaccinated for both WNV and EEE.

East Baton Rouge Parish Mosquito Abatement and Rodent Control workers advise that the parish wide West Nile Virus infection rate among Southern House Mosquitoes recently reached 3.1 infected mosquitoes per 1000 mosquitoes tested. They point out that a mosquito infection rate of 5 or more during July has historically preceded human cases of West Nile Virus in EBR Parish. Twenty three (23) mosquito samples collected recently from ten (10) separate locations around the parish tested positive for West Nile Virus. The director, Matthew Yates is advising citizens to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites and mosquito borne disease.

Mosquitoes become infected with WNV, EEE, Saint Louis Encephalitis (SLE) and other mosquito borne viruses when they bite wild birds, such as Cardinals and House Sparrows infected with these diseases. If a mosquito bites an infected bird and later bites a person the mosquito can transmit WNV, EEE or Saint Louis Encephalitis (SLE) to the person. People do not get WNV, EEE or SLE from contact with wild birds or horses, only from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Wild birds frequently visit bird feeders and often seek water in bird baths and other items around homes. The Southern House Mosquito and Asian Tiger Mosquito both like to lay eggs in containers around homes and both these species can transmit mosquito borne disease. Recent rain events have provided numerous breeding sites around homes and businesses. Mosquito control personnel are urging citizens to check around their home and locate and empty water filled containers every week when they take the trash can to the curb for garbage pickup. Other precautions include:

* Avoiding activity around dusk and dawn whenever possible, this is when many mosquito species are most active;

* Wearing long sleeve shirts and long pants when outdoors during peak mosquito activity periods;

* Wearing repellents with DEET or other approved ingredients when outdoors during times when mosquitoes are active (See the CDC Web Site for More Information; and,

* Keeping mosquitoes out of the home by repairing torn window screens and eliminating cracks around doors and windows.

Citizens may call EBRMARC at 356-3297 for assistance between 7:00 AM � 3:30 PM Monday - Friday. The service is free.

For more information contact Matthew Yates or Rod Wells at 356-3297 or 356-3318 or email myates@brgov.com or Rwells@brgov.com

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION SESSION

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

Join Metropolitan Councilwoman Donna Collins-Lewis and Representative Regina Ashford Barrow for a Disaster Preparedness Information Session, and learn how you and your family can be disaster prepared on Thursday, July 16, at BREC Headquarters, 6201 Florida Blvd., from 6pm -7:30 p.m.

Representatives from WBRZ-TV, Department of Health and Hospitals, Council on Aging, Governor�s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Cox Communications, Department of Social Services, State Farm Insurance, Allstate Insurance, United Way, Catholic Charities, Entergy, Health Care Options Home Health Care Hospice and LA Workforce Commission will be on hand to share vital information on disaster preparedness. Preplanning for a disaster can reduce the possibility of personal injury, loss of life and damage to property. Hear what resources are available and be prepared for your family. Door prizes and giveaways will be distributed.

WEST NILE VIRUS FEVER CASE

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

LDHH advised mosquito control workers that a West Nile Virus Fever Case has been confirmed for East Baton Rouge Parish. The person lives in the Highland Rd area between Siegen Lane and Perkins Rd. Onset of the disease was one month ago. Matt Yates, Director, says �we do not have any information on travel history for the person so we don�t know if the infection was contracted in EBR Parish or elsewhere�. He also says that the Highland Rd area has been sprayed with the airplane and trucks several times since the middle of June but citizens should continue to protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes. Citizens should: avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active, as much as possible; check to ensure that weather proofing is intact to keep mosquitoes out of homes, and; eliminate water sources around homes and businesses which may serve as breeding sites for Southern House Mosquitoes and Asian Tiger Mosquitoes.

The area along Highland Rd is generally known for floodwater mosquito problems because it is located adjacent to a heavily vegetated low lying marshy area. Highland Road Park is within a mile of where the person with WNV Fever lives. Some floodwater mosquitoes, such as the Northern Floodwater Mosquito (Aedes vexans), may fly many miles from breeding sources. If the mosquito has bitten a wild bird infected with WNV it may then transmit the disease to people when it bites. Floodwater mosquito species are active primarily at night and peak activity is at dusk and dawn. So people who are outdoors during these times should apply insect repellent as often as needed to keep mosquitoes from biting them. There are several types of repellents available and information is accessible at the Centers for Disease Control website http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/mosquitorepellent.htm.

The Southern House Mosquito (Culex quinquefasciatus), the primary vector of West Nile Virus, breeds in water filled containers around homes but its flight range is short (less than a mile). It is a night time biter and often enters homes and bites while people are asleep. The Asian Tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is also a very capable vector for West Nile Virus and it too breeds in water filled containers around homes and businesses. The Asian Tiger mosquito only flies a few hundred feet from the water sources where the immature stages develop and this species bites during the day, especially in shaded areas. Citizens are encouraged to inspect their property and empty water filled containers at least one time each week to control the Southern House Mosquito and the Asian Tiger Mosquito. Look for water in tires, cans, bottles, garbage cans, stopped up rain gutters, boats, children�s toys, wading pools, pet watering dishes, the reservoirs under potted plants and in any other areas which may hold water for more than 5-7 days.

Mosquito control personnel will continue to conduct disease surveillance activities and target areas with infected mosquitoes. Citizens are encouraged to call East Baton Rouge Parish Mosquito Abatement and Rodent Control if they have mosquitoes biting around their homes, especially if the mosquitoes are biting during the day time. Citizens may contact EBRMARC at 356-3297 between the hours of 7:00 AM � 3:30 PM for assistance. The service is free.

For additional information call Matt Yates at 225 356-3318.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Funds Available

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program funds are made available under Public Law 105-78 through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service. The Office of Social Services is accepting applications at their main office, located at 4523 Plank Road and at Community Centers located throughout East Baton Rouge Parish.

Alsen Community Center, 393 Old Rafe Meyer Road, Baton Rouge, LA.

Chaneyville Community Center, 13211 Jackson Road, Zachary, LA.

Delmont Service Center, 3535 Riley Street, Baton Rouge, LA

Dr. Martin L. King Community Center, 4000 Gus Young Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA

North Baton Rouge Community Center, 2013 Central Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70807

Rural Program, 5736 Rollins Road, Zachary, LA 70791

Dr. Leo Butler Community Center, 950 East Washington Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802

To be eligible for LIHEAP service (an energy payment), your household must meet the four requirements listed belos:

1. Meet the income eligibility requirement.

2. Have an active energy account.

3. You are responsible for the household's energy Cost.

4. Have not received a LIHEAP payment in previous six (6) month period.

For more information, call The Office of Social Services at 225 358-4561.

Baton Rouge Launches New Recycling Education Campaign

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Mayor-President)

City Recently Selected by the National Curbside Value Partnership Program to Build Awareness of Recycling

Baton Rouge, LA � The City of Baton Rouge is asking residents to create a tradition of recycling, starting at home. Recently selected by the Curbside Value Partnership (CVP), a national effort focused on increasing participation in curbside recycling, Baton Rouge is kicking off a new education campaign. The campaign, called CART IT! encourages residents to get a recycling cart and use it regularly.

�Baton Rouge is already making great strides since the launch of our new single stream program last year,� said Mayor-President Melvin �Kip� Holden. �However, there�s still a lot of room for improvement. There�s so much focus nowadays on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. People often forget that recycling is the easiest way to make an impact on a truly global issue. I like to say that recycling is one way we can all become everyday environmentalists. �

Baton Rouge joins a growing list of CVP communities, an invitation-only program where the Aluminum Association and Can Manufacturer�s Institute as well as their funding members, including Alcoa, Anheiser-Busch Metal Container, ARCO, Ball, Novelis and REXAM collaborate with individual communities to help them improve participation rates in local curbside programs. Programs that are selected are then promoted nationally as best practices and serve as examples to other communities.

�Since switching to a cart program last year under a new contractor, the locally owned Recycling Foundation, Inc., the city has increased recycling participation by 38 percent. However, we�re still not at our goal,� said Susan Hamilton, director of recycling for the Baton Rouge Department of Public Works. �We need to increase by 12 percent more. And after we�ve done that, we need to sustain at that level or higher. That means that everyone needs to make recycling a tradition.�

The education campaign, designed to help meet this goal, will include a range of billboards, bus shelters, fliers and public service announcements. Residents who aren�t recycling are encouraged to sign up for a free cart by calling 925-3442 or on-line at www.brgov.com/cartrequest.

In addition to being selected to join CVP, Susan Hamilton was also invited to join the CVP Advisory Council. �The Council is made up of some of the best and brightest recycling coordinators in the country. They help us ensure our program is creating valuable and useful resources,� said Steve Thompson, program director for the Curbside Value Partnership. �Susan�s leadership in recycling, along with her creativity and energy will be an asset to us.�

Baton Rouge was selected to join CVP because of its existing and stable curbside program which has heavy support from the Mayor and the residents, as well as their access to good, quality data to measure true recycling success. And lastly, the city is enthusiastic and passionate about improving participation rates.

�This partnership is a wonderful opportunity for us to maximize our resources in order to make our program even stronger,� says Hamilton. �Baton Rouge is excited to have the opportunity to work with CVP. We will be able to expand our reach and communicate our messaging more effectively, all the while drawing attention to this great, new, attractive campaign! Baton Rouge is ready to �Create A Recycling Tradition� and CART IT!�

For more information on recycling in Baton Rouge, call 389-5194 or visit www.brgov.com/dept/recycle.

About the Curbside Value Partnership:

Created four years ago, the national CVP program is currently funded by members of the Aluminum Association and Can Manufacturer�s Institute. CVP is the only current, national program that engages communities, haulers, material recovery facilities (MRFs) and other stakeholders to identify solutions to improving curbside recycling programs through education. CVP activities benefit communities and industry, driving more recycled materials into mills across the country benefiting the fiber, glass, steel, plastic and aluminum industries. CVP�s goal is to launch and study education programs to increase participation in local curbside recycling programs and make programs more profitable and sustainable. Current CVP partner communities include the state of Georgia as well as Arlington County, Va.; Brevard County, Fla.; Burlington County, N.J.; Denver, Colo.; Kansas City, Mo.; Indian River, Fla.; Lancaster and York Counties in Penn., Mecklenburg County, N.C. Omaha, Neb.; Baton Rouge, LA, and Orlando, Fla.. For more information, visit www.RecycleCurbside.org.

THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES LAUNCHES DOGFIGHTING REWARD PROGRAM

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

Councilman Mike Walker, who recently spearheaded the passing of a dog ordinance for East Baton Rouge Parish commends The Humane Society for their aggressive campaign to stamp out dog fighting in America. The Humane Society of the United States announced this week that they are offering $5,000 to those who provide information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person involved in illegal animal fighting. Councilman Mike Walker says, �It was clearly brought out in discussion of our dog ordinance that we have a major problem with irresponsible dog ownership and illegal activities associated with animals in East Baton Rouge Parish.� Walker went on to say, �I congratulate the Humane Society for trying to make dog fighting a top priority in an effort to end animal fighting across America.�

For further information, The Human Society of the United States website is: http://www.hsus.org.

Baton Rouge Wins National Recycling Award

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Mayor-President)

BATON ROUGE WINS NATIONAL RECYCLING AWARD

Recycle Rouge will receive 2007 Award for Outstanding Public Education Program in the Nation at Denver National Recycling Coalition conference.

For Immediate Release: Media Contact:

September 12, 2007 Susan Hamilton: 225 389 5194; 571 9591

Baton Rouge, Louisiana � The Baton Rouge Recycling Program, a division of the City-Parish Department of Public Works, will be recognized by the National Recycling Coalition as a recipient of the �2007 Beth Brown Boettner Award for Outstanding Public Education,� at a ceremony to be held on Monday, September 17th at the 26th Annual Recycling Congress and Expo in Denver, Colorado. Each year, the National Recycling Coalition presents eleven awards to different outstanding organizations in several different categories. The Outstanding Public Education award recognizes the best in recycling practices, honoring a program that shows innovation and leadership in public education and a recycling program that will become the standard for the future.

The 2007 award recognizes efforts of the Baton Rouge Recycling Office to educate community residents about waste reduction, and particularly about the city�s newly expanded �single-stream� recycling program. The single stream program consists of three key components: 64-gallon recycling carts; the addition of new recyclable materials (all sizes cardboard and plastics #1 through #7); and no more sorting of recyclable materials.

�The award-winning Baton Rouge recycling initiative illustrates the ability of a partnership between government and citizens to drive success,� said Mayor-President Melvin L. �Kip� Holden. "The 30 percent increase in the amount of recyclables collected to date demonstrates that the community is responding to recent enhancements to the Baton Rouge recycling program accompanied by effective outreach.�

Susan Hamilton, Recycling Director for the City-Parish stated: �We attribute our success to in-depth strategic planning, effective networking with local leaders, a creative grass-roots public outreach effort and partnerships with community businesses, such as The Dow Chemical Company, ExxonMobil, Kleinpeter Farms Dairy, L.L.C., Associated Grocers, and Southern Scrap Recycling-Baton Rouge.�

�Our goal of increasing recycling by 50 calls for even greater increases in participation in the coming months, and we look forward to enrolling even more Baton Rouge residents in our expanded program. Recycling is one of the easiest ways in which each of us can play a role in protecting our environment and making our community sustainable,� she continued.

Residents wishing to participate in the Baton Rouge easy to use residential recycling program may sign up for service by calling the city�s contractor, The Recycling Foundation, at 925-3442, or signing up online at www.brgov.com/cartrequest