By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

VACHERIE – The Housing Authority of St. James Parish is now designated a “highly performing” body by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, according to Executive Director Dana Groover.

“It’s an extreme honor,” she said, adding, “It means we have a lot of work to do to maintain that designation.”

In her report to the St. James Parish Council, Groover said the agency is near 100 percent occupancy, and the most recent audit showed the Housing Authority to be in excellent fiscal shape with a $2 million operating reserve.

Groover also mentioned the Housing Authority earned two awards during its latest assessment. One of them was earned through the body’s handling of a fire at the housing development in Convent last year.

The parish is also moving ahead with its recycling program. The bins have been delivered by Ramelli Waste Disposal and are awaiting placement throughout the parish.

According to Robert Ramelli, any recyclable material may be placed in the bins. Materials to be recycled do not have to be sorted as that will be done at the plant. He also suggested placing the bins near a dumpster so the recycling bins are not used as trash cans. The bins each have a capacity of 11.5 cubic yards.

Lastly, in response to the discovery of five mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus on the west bank of the parish, Emergency Preparedness Director Eric DeRoche said the area was recently sprayed with larvicide. Heavy rains, however, did not allow for the insecticide to soak in properly, so the measure may have to be repeated.