22 SEPTEMBER 2011
CITRUS TREES
If you have citrus trees on your property, the Plaquemines Parish Government is urging you to allow them to treat your trees with a safe pesticide for free. The pesticide will help reduce the population of the ASIAN CITRUS PSYLLID (ACP), now in our area.
Population reduction of the ACP will prevent the introduction of Citrus Greening Disease. Every effort is being made by the Parish to keep this disease from appearing. Having your plants treated aids in combating this problem. This disease kills citrus trees and eliminates fruit production.
A mailout was sent by the parish to residents concerning this issue. If you have not recieved this mailout you should contact the Parish at (504) 274-2462.
BELLE CHASSE TUNNEL CLOSURES
The Belle Chasse Tunnel will have the following scheduled closures for a flood wall project.
Friday, Sept 23rd, 7:00 pm – Monday, Sept. 26th, 5:00 am
Friday, Sept. 30th, 7:00 pm – Monday, October 3rd, 5:00 am
Friday, October 7th, 7:00 pm – Monday, October 10th, 5:00 am
Friday, October 14th, 7:00 pm – Monday, October 17th, 5:00 am
Friday, October 21st, 7:00 pm – Monday, October 24th, 5:00 am
Friday, October 28th, 7:00 pm – Monday, October 31st, 5:00 am
Friday, November 4th, 7:00 pm – Monday, November 7th, 5:00 am
Friday, November 11th, 7:00 pm – Monday, November 14th, 5:00
Two way traffic on the Perez Bridge (Belle Chasse) or Behrman Hwy (LA 428) to Gen DeGaulle (LA 428) to Algiers Highrise (LA 407) to Woodland Hwy (LA 406).
DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the maintenance/construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.
Election time is coming up and the Parish has many important issues to resolve and positions to fill. This website is not geared up for politics as it is a weather and parish information site. This election is not like our past ones where the same old people and families run for office they keep. This election POST KATRINA is one of the most important we have or will ever have again. It is important to discuss some major issues and races we will be deciding on October 22, 2011.
MAJOR ISSUE
Where to build/locate the PRIMARY GOVERNMENT OFFICES OF OUR PARISH. The places are Belle Chasse, or Point-a-la-Hache. The East Bank is a consideration, but is not featured in pamphlet, and information being circulated. In our present economic condition we must heavily way the cost issues. Hands down this makes Belle Chasse a winner due to our land height and construction costs at ground level versus building at raised above ground for flood protection. It must be said that even in Belle Chasse the buildings of our Government should be built raised anyway.
Of major importance related with the cost is the fact that there are many buildings already present at the Belle Chasse site which can be utilized instead of building all new buildings in Point-a-la Hache.
Flooding is an issue we all know here in our Parish. Yes, we all know it floods in the South and less so in the North end of our Parish. This should let every voter lean towards Belle Chasse as the site for our Government. Flooding also saves us money building in Belle Chasse due to rebuilding after floods in the South or East bank.
Another consideration which is of importance behind money and flooding is population. Again hands down Belle Chasse is the winner. With population comes businesses and commerce which are all centered and a majority in Belle Chasse. Point-a-la-Hache although central in the Parish is less friendly people wise and business wise.
The Plaquemines Parish Courthouse District has spent far to much money to survey this issue, and they include land loss in their information mailouts and pamphlets. Land loss is an issue, but so small in importance it warrants only notice, not heavy consideration. Again however; Belle Chasse wins out again.
This issue is an important one for all our parish residents. The only resolution for this issue is placing all government offices in Belle Chasse. Even though money should not be the major influence in this issue, it is and can not be ignored. VOTE FOR BELLE CHASSE.
A note from our president
September 1, 2011
Dear Residents & Businesses of Plaquemines Parish,
Meteorologists expect a low pressure system in the Gulf of Mexico to bring heavy rain to the region. The Parish emergency staff is monitoring the situation.
With the anticipation of heavy rain in the Parish, we are already pumping down the drainage canals to allow for maximum rain water retainment. Our pump station team is standing by and ready to manage the water.
We have Parish employees out clearing drains, but please be proactive and remove any debris which may hinder drainage. Please remove garbage cans from the street and from your driveway to a more secure location.
The weather may cause possible ferry delays so we encourage you to be prepared and to please monitor the local news for the latest weather information.
Have a safe Labor Day weekend.
Sincerely,
Billy Nungesser
Plaquemines Parish
Smoke and Air Quality and Health
Marsh fires generate smoke that can travel great distances from the location of the fire. Atmospheric conditions influence where the smoke goes and how long it takes to dissipate. People with respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and other breathing problems should avoid the smoke by staying indoors.
What is smoke?
Smoke is produced during the burning of grasses, trees, branches and other vegetation in the marshes. It is composed of particulate matter and gases, primarily carbon dioxide. Smoke rises into the air and can travel long distances. The particulates in smoke range from large particles that you can see to very tiny particulates that are not visible to the naked eye.
What happens to the smoke?
Smoke from the fires travels through the air and it is diluted in air as it moves away from the fire locations. Some particles in the smoke may travel long distances from the fire. You may not even see them in the air. You may smell the smoke when it is in the air.
Who is most sensitive to smoke?
Young children and people with chronic respiratory disease, such as asthma, emphysema or bronchitis, are more sensitive to smoke. People with cardiovascular disease and breathing problems also may be affected. People with these diseases may experience increased difficulty in breathing when smoke is in the air.
Will smoke harm my health?
Smoke may irritate the eyes, nose and throat. The smaller particles may get into the lower respiratory tract. In healthy people, smoke may be an irritant with reversible effects that disappear after a few days. In people with breathing problems such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, smoke may trigger asthma attacks, make allergies worse and make breathing harder.
What do I do to prevent these effects?
Stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed. Run an air conditioner if you have one, but keep the fresh-air intake closed. Also, change your filter often. If you do not have an air conditioner and it is too warm to stay inside with the windows closed, seek shelter elsewhere. Watch for changes in the wind direction. Sensitive individuals should limit prolonged outdoor activities. Make sure to take your medications as directed by your doctor. Contact your doctor if you have health concerns.
What do I do to prevent these effects?
Individuals with asthma, allergies, and other respiratory conditions should avoid prolonged outdoor exposure, continue to follow their treatment plans as determined by their health care providers, be certain their prescriptions are filled and have their medications with them. Individuals who become symptomatic should seek medical advice from their health care provider. People who live in an area affected by smoke from wildfires should create or may benefit from creating a “clean room” in their home. A good choice is an interior room, with as few windows and doors as possible, such as a bedroom. Some suggestions for maintaining a clean room:
Keep windows and doors closed.
Set up a properly sized room air cleaner, which will help remove particles from the air while emitting minimal or no levels of
ozone.
Run an air conditioner or central air conditioning system if you have one. If the air conditioner provides a fresh air option,
keep the fresh-air intake closed to prevent smoke from getting inside.
Make sure that the filter is clean enough to allow good air flow indoors.
Do not vacuum, because vacuuming stirs up particles.
Do not smoke or burn anything, such as candles or incense, anywhere in the house.
Keep the room clean. If it is too warm to stay inside with the windows closed, or if you are very
sensitive to smoke, seek shelter elsewhere. Keep in mind that many particles will enter your home even if you take all of
these steps.
Stay indoors and watch for changes in the wind direction.
Sensitive individuals should limit prolonged outdoor activities.
Make sure to take your medications as directed by your doctor.
Contact your doctor if you have health concerns.
Will wearing a single strap or surgical mask help protect you?
Masks will provide little if any protection and may complicate respiratory conditions if used inappropriately.
For more information, call the
Louisiana Department of Health & Hospitals
1-888-293-7020.
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FERRY INFO
August 26, 2011
Plaquemines Parish has its third ferry boat back in operation.
The Belle Chasse - Scarsdale landing has two ferry boats in operation. For the past several months only one was in service at that location.
The Pointe A La Hache landing has one boat in service.
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Louisiana's 2012 Coastal Master Plan
The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) has announced a series of regional community meetings to share information about Louisiana's 2012 Coastal Master Plan. Over the next few months, we will be developing the draft plan. So now is the time to come offer your ideas and learn about the state's work. Join us as we make hard choices to secure our coast's future.
AUGUST 24 - Wednesday
Belle Chasse Auditorium
8398 Hwy. 23, Belle Chasse, LA
5:00pm Open House
5:30pm Meeting
AUGUST 30- Tuesday
St Tammany Parish Public Library, Slidell Branch
555 Robert Blvd., Slidell, LA
5:00pm Open House
5:30pm Meeting
AUGUST 31- Wednesday
Lake Charles Civic Center, Contraband Room
900 Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, LA
5:00pm Open House
5:30pm Meeting
SEPTEMBER 01 - Thursday
Westbank Regional Public Library
2751 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, LA
5:00pm Open House
5:30pm Meeting
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Dear Residents and Businesses of Plaquemines Parish,
Construction is underway to raise a section of Highway 23 in La Reussite. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development is increasing the elevation of the highway to meet the elevation of the levee that runs from the river to the back levees. The existing roadway is a few feet lower than the top of the levee.
This will help with evacuations and potential emergency situations during a disaster. Previously we’ve had to flood fight by placing dirt across the highway at that spot, limiting access. When this project is complete we can leave the road open during a tropical event, improving accessibility while at the same time allowing us to focus our flood fighting resources in more areas. The construction is expected to take about one month, depending on the weather.
In case you have not already developed a plan for this hurricane season, please get with your family members and loved ones to do so. You can helpful find info on our Parish website under “Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness” including how to register for the Reverse 911 emergency alerts and sign up for Re-Entry Placards.
Stay safe,
Billy Nungesser
Parish President
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BAN ON RAW OYSTERS DROPPED BY FDA
The FDA has announced that it is no longer considering the implementation of a ban on raw Gulf of Mexico raw oysters sold between the months of August and October. Senator Charlie Melancon led the way joined by Senator Mary Landrieu hosting a meeting with lawmakers from the Gulf Coast states and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The meeting was a push to voice the opposition to the ban on oysters which would have placed approximately 3,500 jobs in Louisiana. Many of those jobs from right here in Plaquemines Parish.
Following the meeting Melancon and Landrieu were joined by Senator David Vitter, and Louisiana oystermen, held a press conference to speak on the disastrous effects the ban would have on the Louisiana economy. Neighboring Gulf coast states also held similar press events expressing concern with the proposed ban. Presently California is the only state with such a law in place. Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser led the local charge in the seafood arena for shrimp and seafood sales being undercut by foreign imports. His efforts were instrumental in this decision by the FDA to drop its consideration of the ban.
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PLAQUEMINES VOTERS HAVE SPOKEN
The citizens of Plaquemines Parish have approved the 1 cent sales tax to help cover funding for a paid Fire Department and associated buildings, manpower and training. This is a good thing for the Parish and all who reside and work here. The tax will raise an estimated $6,900,000.00 dollars per year. The money will supplement FEMA funding.
The vote was close on a very low voter turnout. 1,174 votes were cast approving the tax while 1,062 votes were cast against the tax hike. Not a large margin of victory, but enough to pass the tax. This will put the sales tax in Plaquemines Parish at 8%. That is 8 cents on each dollar spent.
The money will cover expense for 45 full time Firemen who will be working out of 7 stations to be built or modified within the parish. The money will also cover funding for equipment and training of the personnel. This makes the tax an important part of everyone's lives within the Parish.
Many people have expressed concern over the volunteer Firemen presently in the Parish. Some of these men and women will become part of the paid Firemen, while others will remain on as volunteers to supplement the paid staff. This makes the vote a win win situation for all concerned.
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NOVEMBER 14th ELECTION
Election day is fast approaching for Plaquemines Parish. It is a special election to be held on Saturday November 14th, 2009. On the ballet of particular importance will be the vote on a 1 cent sales tax increase. This tax will be a supplement to the Federal money the Parish received as a grant in August of 2009. The grant of 4.8 million dollars is to reimburse the Parish for the set up of a fire protection system in the Parish consisting seven different stations, and 45 full time paid firefighters.
The system will be put together in stages over the next 5 years, and will provide full time fire protection in the entire Parish. Presently the Parish relies upon mostly volunteer fireman (non-payed). The volunteer system works, but response time is slower then having a full time Fire Department in place. The volunteer fire system in place now will not be going away altogether, but rather incorporated into the paid Fire Department system. This is very important because it can save lives and reduce losses caused during a fire or other emergency.
While many people may say we don't need this tax or the full time fire department it will fund. We at kingfishland.com believe we do need this tax, and the citizens of Plaquemines Parish deserve the protection it will provide. Normally kingfishland.com looks very hard at tax increases and will not support any increase unless it is important and is used for a purpose that benefits the Parish and its citizens. In this case the tax is minimal, and is going to provide a seriously needed service the citizens of Plaquemines Parish need, and deserve to have. That service is a full time fire department.
The staff at kingfishland.com after examining the entire scope of this project approves of it and supports the tax passage. This Parish is on the move up and a full time Fire Department takes us out of the dark ages.
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New Prison On Its Way
FEMA has stepped up and provided funds to start the new Prison facilities and Emergency Operations Center on the East Bank of Plaquemines parish. The new facilities will be where the old prison was located on the east bank. The old Prison was destroyed by hurricane Katrina in 2005. The new facility is projected to have 871 beds for inmates, and during storms when prisoners have been transferred to facilities outside the storms path. The Sheriff will use the facilities for area first responders.
The price tag is estimated to be $56,600.00 which will be funded entirely by FEMA. The sheriff has commended FEMA and Parish officials for their work together to make this process work out. A Sheriff's Department Official has stated the new facility will be 18 feet off the ground and will be able to withstand a category 5 hurricane. The new Prison will also alleviate expense of housing inmates outside of Plaquemines Parish for extended periods of time after a storm strikes.
This project shows that there is still much work to be done within the Parish, and that FEMA is still working with the Parish on issues from Katrina and other storms. Also worth mentioning is the Prison farm program which is included within this project. This farm will produce marketable items which may be sold at local area markets to supplement income for the sheriff's department Prison operations.
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Redbone Fishing Tournament for Cystic Fibrosis
FORMER NFL STAR BERT JONES HELPS RAISE MONEY
The Redbone “Fishing for the Cure” organization recently held a celebrity fishing tournament at Woodlands Plantation to benefit research for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Plaquemines tourism spokesman LSU great and NFL star Bert Jones was the guest of honor. Bert has 2 nieces and a nephew with the disease so he is a long time supporter of the cause.
Mr. Jones was honored to be the lead celebrity and expressed his gratitude to Parish President Billy Nungesser. President Nungesser in his awards ceremony address to the group thanked Bert Jones for being such a staunch supporter of Plaquemines Parish on a national basis for its abundant outdoor activities. President Nungesser also thanked the teams of fishermen and women from Colorado, Florida, Nebraska, Iowa, and New York that had traveled to Plaquemines Parish to participate in the event.
The tournament was planned with the assistance of the Redbone Team headed by Gary Ellis, Foster Creppel of Woodlands, and the Parish’s Tourism Department. In its initial year at Woodlands over $20,000 was raised to benefit this worthy cause. President Nungesser said that next year he hopes to raise at least $50,000 for this most worthy cause.
Kingfishland.com extends a hardy thanks to Bert Jones and all those who participated in this worthy cause. It's events like this that makes Plaquemines Parish shine in the national spotlight. It also show why our Parish is such a great place to live, work, and play.
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PLAQUEMINES PARISH SCHOOLS STRONG
THE SCHOOLS OF PLAQUEMINES PARISH COME IN STRONG IN THE SCHOOL PERFORMANCE SCORES. LEADING THE WAY WAS THE BELLE CHASSE PRIMARY SCHOOL. THE SCHOOL MADE THE HIGHEST GAIN FOR ACHIEVING GOALS OVER LAST YEAR. BELLE CHASSE MIDDLE SCHOOL ALSO FINISHED WITH A GREAT SCORE AND IMPROVEMENT. OUT OF 8 SCHOOLS IN THE PARISH RATED ONLY 2 SCHOOLS DECLINED AND DID NOT REACH GROWTH GOALS. THE BELLE CHASSE ACADEMY (CHARTER), SCHOOL ADVANCED IN RECIEVING A HIGHER SCORE, BUT DID NOT MEET GROWTH GOALS FOR THE YEAR.
THE OVERALL OUTLOOK SHOWS A STRONG SCHOOL SYSTEM IN THE PARISH COMPARED TO OTHER PARISHES IN THE STATE. THESE RATINGS SHOW RECOVERY FROM KATRINA AND OTHER STORMS CONTINUES. THE STUDENTS DESERVE A HEALTHY PAT ON THE BACK FOR THESE ACHIEVEMENTS AS DO THE TEACHERS. ONE MUST ALSO THANK THE MANY OTHER WORKERS AND VOLUNTEERS THAT HAVE HELPED AND PARTICIPATED IN THE REBUILING OF OUR PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM.
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CITRUS PLANTS
IF YOU HAVE CITRUS TREES ON YOUR PRIVATE PROPERTY, PLAQUEMINES PARISH WILL TREAT YOUR PLANTS FREE OF CHARGE WITH A SAFE PESTICIDE. THE SPRAYING HELPS GUARD AGAINST THE ASIAN CITRUS PSYLLID (ACP), FOUND IN THE LOCAL AREA. THIS TREATMENT WILL HELP PREVENT CITRUS GREENING DISEASE. A DISEASE THAT HAS NOT YET BEEN FOUND IN PLAQUEMINES PARISH, SO TREATMENT IS IMPORTANT.
THIS TREATMENT IS FREE AND IS THE SECOND YEAR THE PARISH HAS TREATED CITRUS PLANTS. STOP BY THE PARISH OFFICES AND REGISTER. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS CONTACT THE LSU AGRICULTURAL CENTER AT (504) 433-3664.
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PROPOSED LEVEE PROJECT MEETING
The Army Corps of Engineers recently held a meeting open to Plaquemines Parish residents to accept ideas, and get feedback on the proposed levee projects. Of importance are levee projects in Plaquemines Parish on both the East and West banks of the river. Turn out for this meeting was small, and that is a concern.
Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser was on hand and though the Parish and the Corps have in the past and presently are working together, there are a few issues that have to be resolved. Nungesser is worried that environmental issues are pushing back important work on the levee systems. These issues may move projects back to start dates to 2012 or perhaps farther to 2014.
A corps spokesman stated that the projects should be completed by no later then December 2013. Some are concerned over wetland loss in the Parish, and data used before storms not incorporating this loss. This is an important issue for the Parish and its entire population. Keep checking back here at kingfishland.com for updates.
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Plaquemines Parish Emergency Operations Center
Kingfishland.com attended the Plaquemines Parish Emergency Operations Center (EOC), open house and introduction meeting last night (2 Sept 09). Parish President Billy Nungesser inconjunction with the Office of Homeland Security Emergency Preparedness, mailed out invitations to parish residents to attend this meeting at various dates and times. After attending the meeting at our scheduled time, we walked away in awe of everything we saw, heard, and learned. We were so impressed we asked for and received permission to attend again so we can pick up the bits of information we may have missed. We have also ordered our employee's to attend, and highly suggested they bring their spouses. Naturally we do this as on the clock and are paying our employee's. That is how strongly we feel about this event and the information presented.
The meeting was nothing like a town hall type thing where not much gets accomplished but everyone shouting and yelling. This was a nice informal visit to our Parish EOC to meet the people who run it. We were impressed with all of them we met, and with that said we probably would be impressed with those we didn't get to meet. The ones behind the scene who make things happen.
One thing that kingfishland.com really loved was the fact that the Parish EOC is using the exact same software and systems that we have been using for years. The software and various programs were explained and shown to those in attendance on large touch screens inside the actual Parish EOC main room. The very room where our Parish President will be during any emergency.
This meeting was comfortable, not stuffy, and most important not political. A lot of good and very important information was passed out about the EOC operations, and more importantly how our Parish will be operating during emergency situations. These are things everyone in our Parish should know and understand the basics of and its logistics so to speak. We know of no other Parish that has anything like this type of meeting for their EOC.
Everyone should know the basics. You don't need a complete knowledge of everything involved in emergencies. That is what the EOC is for. This meeting will give you those basics and teach you a few things about our great Parish in the process. We at kingfishland.com highly recommend and advise everyone to attend this event at some point in time.
