The following has been released to Q93 from LSUA: 

ALEXANDRIA, La – Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA) Hosted Gov. John Bel Edwards today for a groundbreaking for the Drainage and Infrastructure Project on the LSUA campus.

After more than 10 years of working to secure federal and state funding for the project, the Governor and numerous other elected officials convened at LSUA to commemorate the historic achievement.

“We believe in higher education in Louisiana. I’m proud that we have been able to work together to provide solutions and support for our students in Central Louisiana.  LSUA has seen tremendous growth recently, and it is my honor to be here today to celebrate this extraordinary event,” said Governor Edwards.

At the state level, $2.7 million was allocated from the State Bond Commission Capital Outlay. Federal Flood Mitigation funding, made available through the Louisiana Watershed Initiative, provided an additional $3.5 million for the project.

“The Drainage & Infrastructure Project Groundbreaking was a significant event for LSUA. The bipartisan support we received from local, state, and federal officials ensured that this was not only a win for Central Louisiana, but for the State of Louisiana. We appreciate the support we received from all delegations and were extremely grateful to have Governor John Bel Edwards join us to break ground on the campus. This project will solve numerous drainage problems at LSUA, but will also modernize the infrastructure and campus as a whole. Our students will greatly benefit from this support,” said Dr. Paul Coreil, LSUA Chancellor.

Infrastructure improvements consists of, but not limited to, enhancements to the main campus entrance on Highway 71, major drainage issues, street overlays and new lighting.

Womack and Sons Construction Group received the bid for the project and began on site in early June.

The following has been released to Q93 from Cleco:
 

PINEVILLE, La. – June 1, 2021 – The Atlantic Basin Hurricane Season officially begins today, June 1, and runs through Nov. 30.  Cleco Power encourages customers to prepare as experts are predicting another above-average hurricane season.  

“Today marks the start of our hurricane season, and while we all are hoping for a quiet season, everyone should have a plan,” said James Lass, director of distribution operations and emergency management.  “The winds from hurricanes can severely damage electrical equipment especially poles and power lines, resulting in extended power outages.”

Researchers at Colorado State University (CSU) are predicting 17 named storms during the season.  Of those, they expect eight to become hurricanes and four to become major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher) with sustained winds of 111 miles per hour or greater.  CSU has issued forecasts of hurricane activity in the Atlantic Basin for over 36 years.  

CSU researchers predicted 2020 would be an above-average season, and it was.  Last year, Cleco Power’s service area was hit by three hurricanes, Laura, Delta and Zeta, in just two months.  

“Some areas are still recovering from the 2020 hurricane season,” said Lass.  “In Louisiana, we know from experience that hurricanes can cause loss of property and life, so we have to take each storm seriously and prepare in advance.  Preparation can help customers stay safe this hurricane season.”

Below are steps customers can take to prepare for the 2021hurricane season: 

• Prepare a storm kit – gather supplies you might need during a power outage, including flashlights, batteries, canned food, manual can opener, bottled water, medication and a first aid kit.

• Develop an evacuation plan in case you have to evacuate.

• Have a battery-powered radio to receive updates from the media.

• Review your insurance policies.

• Take pictures or video of the inside and outside areas of your home or business for potential insurance needs.

• Plan ahead for medical or special needs, includingyour pets. 

• Make provisions for a generator, if needed, and test the generator to ensure it works.

More storm preparedness tips can be found online at cleco.com and on Facebook @ClecoPower.