Another year has quickly passed, leaving behind many achievements, as well as several challenges.

Some of those challenges involve inconveniences associated with millions of dollars in construction.

Over $32 million of construction was completed or continued in 2017 with Parish funds, with another $17 million of construction with state and federal assistance.

Residents and business owners can expect completion of the new Government Administration Building, Belle Terre Drainage Improvements and overlay project from Airline Highway to I-10, LaPlace lift station repairs, Woodland Bridge replacement, Pleasure Bend Water Treatment and Animal Shelter Renovations.

To address the No. 1 concern for the future of the Parish, Parish Presidents from St. John and St. Charles Parishes are working with state elected officials, the Pontchartrain Levee District and Army Corp of Engineers to seal an agreement to begin much needed work toward the West Shore Project.

To better protect the Garyville area, the Mississippi River Reintroduction into the Maurepas Swamp project is slated to restore the swamp, which serves as a buffer from tidal surge.

Both have been in the works for many years and are finally coming to fruition.

Other critical projects slated for 2018 include Phase 4 of the Mississippi River Trail, which terminates at the St. James Parish line, the Wastewater Oxidation Pond in Reserve, Phase 2 of the Reserve Drainage Project, a new West Bank Public Safety Complex and several drainage projects throughout the parish.

The annual Road Improvements Program will begin in the Spring, while concrete repairs are ongoing.

I am grateful for the support and encouragement I’ve received over the years and thank my Administrative staff and employees for their efforts.

There is so much more to do, and I am confident that it will be done with support of residents, business owners and regional and state officials.

The beginning of a new year is a great time to reflect, while continuing to move forward. I’d like to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year – may God Bless you and your families and keep you safe during the upcoming holiday season.

Please visit the updated parish website at sjbparish.com to view our latest news and upcoming events.

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