December 2025 - Community Briefings

Following the launch of the NEPA Environmental Assessment process in September 2025, Louisiana DOTD identified a need to provide project updates to the community through an in-person process where conversations with community residents could be held to answer questions. A pair of community briefings were scheduled in mid December 2025 within Iberville Parish, one on each side of the Mississippi River. The events were set up “open house” style with project representatives stationed at information stations featuring exhibit boards and a narrated presentation available for viewing in one corner of the room. Tables were also set up to receive written or web based comments at both sites. 

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Media releases were sent to local news outlets, and DOTD’s communications staff released notices through DOTD’s 511 notification service and social media accounts. 348 Project stakeholders who had been identified during the pre-NEPA process and who subscribed to the project’s email notification service were sent an email message three weeks prior to the community briefings, with reminder emails to non-opens one week prior. The email campaign had a favorable open rate of 67% with a total of 194 recipients.

 

Guest attendance at one or both of the Community Briefings totaled 209; with 147 in St. Gabriel and 62 in Plaquemine. Local news media was present at both events covering the story and DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet was present at the first event. 

General public comments were received in writing and via online modes during and following the events. The St. Gabriel event yielded 48 public comments and the Plaquemine event 14 comments by noon the following days. Additional electronically submitted comments continue to be received. All will be reviewed and incorporated into the project documentation. Exhibits provided at the Community Briefings is provided as PDF files and a video hosted on YouTube linked below.