Baton Rouge Press Releases

City/Parish Community Centers Closed

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

All City/Parish Community Centers�..Chaneyville, Delmont, Dr. Leo Butler, Jewel Newman, Martin Luther King�..will remain closed through Friday, September 5, so that damage assessments can be completed.

SCOPE CLASSES CANCELED

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

Due to impending weather conditions and the threat of tropical storm or hurricane Gustav, the SCOPE classes scheduled at Baton Rouge City Court for Tuesday, September 2nd and Thursday, September 4th, and the AA classes scheduled for Tuesday, September 2nd, will all be CANCELED and RESCHEDULED for the following Tuesday and Thursday (9/9 and 9/11). Please call the Court Services Division of the Court at 389-5124 if you have any questions concerning these or any other classes at City Court.

City/Parish Observes Labor Day

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

Labor Day is an official City/Parish holiday and will be observed on Monday, September 1, 2008. All City/parish offices will be closed on this day.

Solid waste collection (garbage and trash) in East Baton Rouge Parish will be made on Monday, September 1, 2008, by Allied Waste under their contract with the City/Parish for residential and governmental buildings. Recyclable material in EBR Parish will be collected as normal on Monday, September 1, 2008. The North Landfill will be open to all haulers both commercial and the general public on Monday, September 1, 2008.

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

Mayor Holden Asks Citizens to Honor Second Katrina Anniversary

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Mayor-President)

Mayor-President Melvin L. �Kip� Holden ordered the flags over city-parish buildings throughout East Baton Rouge Parish flown at half mast today in remembrance of those who lost their lives in Hurricane Katrina as he also called for continued compassion for its victims.

�As Louisiana pauses on this second anniversary of the storm, please remember those who continue to deal with the physical and emotional devastation in their lives,� Holden said. �The compassion displayed by the people of East Baton Rouge Parish in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita must continue to be the trademark of our wonderful city and parish.�

Holden said all citizens should feel an obligation to be humanitarians and to help those who are suffering. �Our response to the devastation to our state lifted Baton Rouge to national and international prominence,� Holden said. �As the floodwaters rose in New Orleans, our city was flooded with a devastated population. I continue to be tremendously proud of Baton Rouge�s response and our level of preparation for future emergencies.�

Mayor Holden Calls for Investigation

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Mayor-President)

Today, I am calling upon the Justice Department, through U.S. Attorney David Dugas, to begin an immediate investigation at the federal level relative to the incident where two of our employees were fired upon. Holden said it is important that we send a signal as a Baton Rougeans that we are not going to tolerate this type of crime in our community. The community has worked too hard for too many years to allow a few misguided individuals to destroy our efforts to create One Baton Rouge. Our employees are dedicated public servants. Neither they nor the community deserve the treatment they received at the hands of individuals who did not care for life, safety or property.

Baton Rouge Lands Customer Service Center for Staples, Inc.

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Mayor-President)

Business Recruitment Win the Result of New City-Parish/BRAC Partnership;

Staples Bringing 400+ New Jobs, Multi-Million Dollar Investment to Area

Baton Rouge, La. (July 30, 2007) � The Honorable Melvin �Kip� Holden, President of East Baton Rouge Parish and Mayor of the City of Baton Rouge, today announced the successful recruitment of a national customer service center for a leading Fortune 500 company. Staples, the world�s largest office products company, has selected Baton Rouge as the location for an innovative new contact center for its North American Delivery business.

The new �virtual� Staples contact center will support a team of customer service representatives who work entirely from home. The center will provide a training facility for new representatives as well as office space for management and support staff. Staples is recruiting about 60 work-at-home customer service representatives and a variety of management and support positions, including team managers and service trainers, to prepare for the scheduled October opening. Staples plans to have more than 400 contact center jobs in Baton Rouge over the next four years. The new center is located on Highlandia Drive in Baton Rouge.

�This is our first major recruitment of a national company as a result of our economic development initiative for East Baton Rouge Parish in partnership with the Baton Rouge Area Chamber,� Holden said, �but it�s only the beginning of great things to come. This partnership allows us to provide on-going, seamless coordination for business recruitment between the parish and the state which increases our success in attracting quality jobs for Baton Rouge.�

The project, codenamed �Project Star� during the site selection process, represents the latest success for a new business development partnership between the City-Parish and the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership, the 501(c)3 affiliate of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC). Under terms of the partnership, which was formalized in January, BRAC is responsible for conducting national marketing, business recruitment, and business retention and expansion activities for East Baton Rouge Parish and the City of Baton Rouge. The partnership is modeled after successful public/private economic development ventures in other midsize communities like Knoxville, Mobile, Nashville, and Raleigh.

�Baton Rouge is a first-rate location to operate our new contact center, helping provide customer service excellence for our growing delivery businesses� said Joe Doody, president of Staples North American Delivery. �The people of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, the City-Parish, and Louisiana Economic Development have been terrific to work with in making this new facility possible. Staples is a great place to work and we look forward to building our team here with great people from the Baton Rouge area.�

The project was formally announced at a press conference this afternoon at the Camelot Club. Staples Vice President Doug Woodard, Mayor-President Kip Holden, LED Secretary Mike Olivier, and BRAC President/CEO, Stephen Moret were on hand to make the announcement.

Staples� North American Delivery unit, serving businesses of all sizes, is comprised of the Staples Contract division, Staples Business Delivery, and Quill Corporation.

About Staples

Staples, Inc. invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and today is the world's largest office products company. With 74,000 talented associates, the company is committed to making it easy to buy a wide range of office products, including supplies, technology, furniture, and business services. With 2006 sales of $18.2 billion, Staples serves consumers and businesses ranging from home-based businesses to Fortune 500 companies in 22 countries throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia. Headquartered outside of Boston, Staples operates more than 1,900 office superstores and also serves its customers through mail order catalog, e-commerce and contract businesses. More information is available at www.staples.com.

EBR MAYOR�S OFFICE LINKING DISPLACED NEW ORLEANIANS WITH ORAL HISTORY PROJECT

Mon, 21 May 2007 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Mayor-President)

East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Melvin L. �Kip� Holden is helping two artists locate New Orleans residents displaced to the Baton Rouge area to participate in an oral history project that will accompany a major exhibit at the State Museum this summer.

�Floodwall�, a wall of drawers 120 feet long and eight feet tall was constructed of drawers salvaged from flooded homes in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, with each catalogued by address.

On the heels of a successful exhibition in New York, the exhibit will open at the new State Museum in Baton Rouge on July 13th before traveling to Europe next Spring with the stories gathered from participants.

�The artists are searching for the owners of the drawers to gather oral histories to accompany the exhibit,� Mayor Holden explained. �We are encouraging those who relocated to Baton Rouge to connect with the artists and join us for the opening of the exhibit at the State Museum in Baton Rouge.�

Displaced residents can visit www.floodwall.org to see if their address is included among the drawers recovered in New Orleans. Artists Rondell Crier and Jana Napoli and oral historian Tatiana Clay are the creators of the project.

A Month to Celebrate �One Baton Rouge�

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Mayor-President)

Mayor Kip Holden and the members of a number of religious and civic organizations announced the designation of the Month of May as One Baton Rouge month. Mayor Holden said the objective was to promote unity and diversity as �One Baton Rouge�.

The Mission for the One Baton Rouge Committee is �One Baton Rouge Means the acceptance and integration of people of all color, religions, sexual orientations, nationalities and people of all

walks of life into every aspect of Baton Rouge community life so that we all will be enriched by each other�.

The One Baton Rouge Committee issued a statement that said �May marks the launching of a whole new spirit of one-ness for our city which we hope will continue through the months and years ahead�.

The Mayor was joined on the steps of the Baton Rouge governmental building for the announcement of One Baton Rouge month, by people from many different and diverse populations of Baton Rouge � literally from all walks of Baton Rouge life.

The Mayor and the One Baton Rouge Committee are asking religious, church and civic organizations in East Baton Rouge Parish to consider taking one week during May to highlight how they foster acceptance of diverse people. One way to actively participate in One Baton Rouge Month is to consider inviting a member of the One Baton Rouge Speaker�s bureau to talk on diversity.

The Mayor suggested that One Baton Rouge Month presents an opportunity for all citizens of Baton Rouge to commit to meet and get to know people that they normally would not have a chance to know.

A speaker�s bureau has been set up for organizations which would like assistance in securing a speaker for One Baton Rouge month. The speaker�s bureau contact telephone number is 338-1170.

It was also announced during the press briefing that a new web site www.OneBatonRouge.com has been established. Individuals and organizations that want more information about One Baton Rouge events and programs can access the web site.

A �Join the Human Race Walk� is going to take place on Saturday May 19th starting at the Lod Cook Center on the LSU campus beginning at 9:00AM. There is no fee for participation.

Other One Baton Rouge plans include parish wide billboards, public service announcements, and programs for schools, for examples, all to promote a better understanding of the value of having One Baton Rouge.

Public Notice - Government St. Overlay

Mon, 02 Apr 2007 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

An Informational Workshop for the Metropolitan Council to discuss the proposal of the finalized Government Street Overlay District Ordinance will be held in room 348 (Council Chambers) at 222 St. Louis Street at 4:30 P.M. on April 3, 2007.

NEW SATURDAY PET ADOPTION

Mon, 18 Dec 2006 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

Starting in January 2007, the East Baton Rouge Parish Animal Control Center will open for pet adoptions only, on the first and last Saturdays of each month. The Animal Control Center is located at 2680 Progress Road, near the Baton Rouge Metro Airport. Adoption hours will be from 9:00am � 1:00p.m. The Animal Control Center will also perform mid-month Saturday remote adoptions, using the mobile adoption trailer. Mobile pet adoption sites to be announced soon.

Eden park branch library to close for move

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Public Info)

The Eden Park Branch Library, currently located at 4142 Gus Young Avenue, will close at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 3, and remain closed until the grand opening of the new facility, located at 5131 Greenwell Springs Road on Thursday, January 11, at 9:00 a.m.

During this time, patrons may return library materials to any East Baton Rouge Parish Library, or renew online at www.ebr.lib.la.us.

For more information, call (225) 231-3750.

MAYOR HOLDEN OBTAINS FUNDS FOR CAPTIAL AREA TRANSIT SYSTEM

Thu, 24 Aug 2006 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Mayor-President)

Making good on his efforts to find the money to meet the Capital Area Transit Systems (CATS) budget needs to avoid service reductions, Mayor-President Holden announced today that he had received a check in the amount of two hundred thirty-two thousand dollars from Louisiana Treasurer John Kennedy. The funds were a result of Mayor Holden's request for an emergency disbursement of the excess funds that were in the East Baton Rouge Parish Community Improvement Fund at the end of the 2006 fiscal year. A portion of the proceeds of the East Baton Rouge Parish lodging tax are dedicated to this fund.

Also receiving funds from the East Baton Rouge Parish Community Improvement Fund is the Research Park Corporation. However, CATS is the sole beneficiary of this money received by Mayor Holden.

Earlier, Mayor Holden sent to the Metro Council a budget supplement for CATS of five hundred thousand dollars which was approved without objection. CATS originally said it would need 1.1 million dollars to operate to the end of the year. After Mayor Holden asked CATS to re-examine their needs and effect management and operational efficiencies, CATS submitted a budget supplement for 780,000 thousand dollars. With this check, Mayor Holden has substantially closed the financial subsidy need of CATS.

Mayor Urges Donation of Fans

Thu, 27 Jul 2006 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Mayor-President)

In response to the summer heat wave, Mayor Holden is urging the donation of fans or funds to purchase fans for those vulnerable to the heat.

�With record high temperatures sweeping the nation, Baton Rouge is experiencing a heat wave that can be deadly for individuals who may be vulnerable because of age or illness,� Mayor Holden said.

Persons who would like to donate fans can drop them off at the East Baton Rouge Council on Aging Office at 5790 Florida Boulevard or call 923-8000. Fans may also be dropped off at the Louisiana Capital Area Red Cross Offices at 10201 Mayfair Drive.

�If you know of a relative, an elderly person, a co-worker, a church member or a neighbor who may not be equipped to handle this heat, please be a good neighbor and check on them,� Mayor Holden urged. �If you know of someone in need, please call the Council on Aging at 923-8000 to find help. It could mean the difference between life and death.�

MAYOR HOLDEN LAUNCHES NEW PROGRAM TO ADDRESS HOMELESS NEEDS

Thu, 27 Jul 2006 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Mayor-President)

Mayor Melvin L. �Kip� Holden kicked off two programs today aimed at providing assistance to Baton Rouge�s homeless population and relief to those who may be vulnerable to summer heat.

In partnership with the Capital Area Alliance for the Homeless, Mayor Holden launched a program that will offer two components for reducing Baton Rouge�s homeless population: an awareness program for services available to the homeless, and Street Outreach Teams comprised of specially trained social services professionals teamed with former homeless clients.

�We will distribute Outreach Cards that list services available to the homeless so that businesses and individuals who are asked for help by a homeless person can refer them,� Mayor Holden explained. �Our message is this: It is better to refer a homeless person for service than to give cash. We can only help if we can move them to the programs that can find permanent solutions to their problems.�

Holden said the Street Outreach Teams will work to identify homeless individuals, build trust through one-on-one counseling and offer transportation to a site where they provide toiletries, case management and housing. He said screening for mental illness and substance abuse, two of the leading causes of homelessness, will be provided.

�The Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the Volunteers of America are taking the lead in working with us on this creative approach,� Mayor Holden said. �We will run this program for 90 days in the downtown area, evaluate its success and determine steps for providing services parish wide.�

Holden said the program is being funded by a Community Development Block Grant through the Office of Community Development and he anticipates additional funding will be secured to expand the program.

East Baton Rouge Parish Sewer Improvement Program Bond Ratings Increase Across the Board

Thu, 27 Jul 2006 00:00:00 CST

(from the office of: Mayor-President)

After recent meetings between Mayor Holden and City Officials with the bond rating agencies (Fitch, Moody's and S&P) the bond ratings for the $156 million East Baton Rouge Sewerage Commission Revenue Bonds were increased. Fitch rated the Sewer transaction bonds at AA- and increased their ratings on the non-refunded bonds to AA while Moody increased their ratings to an A1. The third company, S&P raised their rating to an A+. The companies commented that the increase in ratings for the Parish were directly related to the strong combined credit, increase in population and customer base and the excellent fiscal management of this project. The overall analysis of this is a cost savings by the Parish on this project and will help with the ratings on future projects. These ratings represent the highest ratings that East Baton Rouge Parish has received for any bond issue.

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