Since 2010, facility and infrastructure improvements have been a top priority of my Administration, and the next two columns will describe some of the improvements started or completed in 2017.

To improve service options and provide a one-stop shop for residents and business owners, a new Government Administration Building is under construction with anticipation of opening in the Spring of 2018.

The new facility is funded through a combination of bond issues from 2009 and 2015 that were approved by voters with no increase taxes.

The funds dedicated to facilities in these bond issues can only be used for parish facilities.

The new building will house critical parish agencies and departments, including the Register of Voters, Clerk of Court, Assessor, Planning and Zoning, Economic Development, Code Enforcement, Utility Billing, Finance and Grants.

A larger and more accommodating Council Chambers and traffic court will also be in the complex surrounded by additional parking.

Also new is a 3,000 square foot senior center on the West Bank, which will be dedicated with a ribbon cutting ceremony after Thanksgiving.

The new modernized building is double the size of the old center and gives seniors a safe and entertaining haven to visit and socialize on a daily basis.

Amenities include a modern kitchen, large activity room, pleasant porch and a location with access to the park complex and walking path.

The parish Animal Shelter is currently undergoing almost $200,000 in renovations to add 22 new indoor/outdoor kennels and a small dog quarantine area.

The new addition will keep stray animals in a separate building from the adoptable animals and help minimize exposure to animals that could be contagious or have diseases. All facility improvements are funded through bond issues.

Other parish improvements include a continuation of the asphalt program with more than $800,000 in road repairs and more than $200,000 in concrete panel and curb repairs.

The list of completed roads are online at sjbparish.com under the Public Works Department. The 2018 list is being finalized and will be uploaded to website soon.   

Over the last several years, millions of dollars have been spent on improving roads Parishwide, with more than $7 million in construction work currently underway on Belle Terre Boulevard.

These are just a few of the many projects being completed in our community and are another step toward improving the Parish as a whole. In December, I will touch on a few more critical improvements in my year in review column.

Natalie Robottom is St. John the Baptist Parish President. She can be reached at communications@stjohn-la.gov.