Grant to fund project started by Hill

Gov. John Bel Edwards announced Wednesday, Dec. 18, that an $11.7 million grant will fund important flood-control improvements at Bundick Lake, a state-owned reservoir in Beauregard Parish.

Wednesday’s announcement came after years of advocacy for the lake project by Rep. Dorothy Sue Hill, D-Dry Creek.

“This is important for all the people who have homes and businesses on Bundick Lake,” Hill said.

“I’ve worked on this project with two governors over 12 years,” Hill said. “Gov. Edwards deserves the credit for this. He understands the lake’s importance to the region.”

Bundick Lake, completed in 1961 southeast of DeRidder, is a popular fishing and recreation spot. The $11.7 million grant will fund new flood-control gates to help reduce flooding around the lake during times of high water.

“Rep. Hill has been a tireless advocate for this project and other important infrastructure projects during her tenure,” said Shawn Wilson, Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.

“Her efforts certainly helped to secure the funding and advance this project. Her constituents directly benefit from her hard work,” Wilson said.

“Gov. Edwards told me “you’ve got a legacy now,’” Hill said.

Lequita Harper, a long-time resident of the Bundick Lake area, congratulated Hill for securing the funding. With a new flood control structure, “we won’t flood out every time there’s significant rainfall,” she said.

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