Red River Waterway Commission Board of Commissioners public meetings in 2024

Red River Waterway Commission Board of Commissioners

The Red River Waterway Commission Board will hold committee meetings and a monthly commission meeting on December 18, 2024. Key items include considering the 2025 budget, approving construction bids for Fort Buhlow Recreation Area amenities, and authorizing re-advertisement of land leases expiring in 2025 and early 2026. The board will also discuss a funding request for a liquid fertilizer storage tank and a land lease cancellation for the Hadden Ft. DeRussy realignment.

• Consideration of approval of 2025 budget
• Consideration of construction bids for Fort Buhlow Recreation Area Additional Amenities 2023 (Project No. 23-01, Contract No. RRW-819)
• Consideration of authority to re-advertise public bid land leases expiring in 2025 and early 2026
• Consideration of funding request from Avoyelles Parish Port Commission for a liquid fertilizer storage tank
• Consideration of request for land lease cancellation and authority to advertise for Hadden Ft. DeRussy realignment (Tracts 45, 46 & 47, 235 acres)

Red River Waterway Commission Board of Commissioners

The Red River Waterway Commission is certifying that it has complied with Louisiana law regarding public participation in the budget process for Fiscal Year Ending 2025. The notice confirms that public inspection and public hearing requirements were met.

• Certification of compliance with Louisiana Revised Statute 39:1307 for Fiscal Year Ending 2025
• Public notice of budget availability and public hearing held in accordance with applicable statutes

Red River Waterway Commission Board of Commissioners

The Commission unanimously approved the 2025 budget and awarded a $4,465,000 contract to Pat Williams Construction, LLC for Fort Buhlow Recreation Area amenities. Other actions included approving land annexations, lease management, and additional funding for a port project.

• Adopted the 2025 budget (unanimous)
• Awarded $4,465,000 base bid for Fort Buhlow Recreation Area amenities to Pat Williams Construction, LLC (unanimous)
• Approved $150,000 additional funding for Avoyelles Parish Port Commission liquid fertilizer storage tank (unanimous)
• Approved annexation of 437.57 acres of North Adventure Trails Mitigation property to the Town of Blanchard (unanimous)
• Approved change order for Twelve Mile Bayou Boat Ramp increasing cost by $2,786.40 to a total of $2,460,435 (unanimous)
• Authorized staff to re-advertise public bid land leases expiring in 2025 and early 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved land lease cancellation for Aubrey McNeal with $200 fee and authorized re-advertisement of 235 acres (unanimous)
• Un-reserved $677,910.13 in remaining funds from completed or undeveloped 2024 projects (unanimous)

Red River Waterway Commission Board of Commissioners

The Red River Waterway Commission will hold a public hearing on its proposed 2025 budget. The budget is available for public inspection. The meeting will include a call to order, roll call, and public comments on the budget only.

• Public hearing on the proposed 2025 budget for the Red River Waterway District
• Budget available for public inspection at District headquarters
• Public comments limited to 3 minutes on agenda items only

Red River Waterway Commission Board of Commissioners

The Red River Waterway Commission's Revenue, Banking & Budget Committee will meet on December 2, 2024, to discuss the proposed 2025 budget. The meeting is open to the public, with a 3-minute public comment period limited to agenda items.

• Discussion of 2025 Proposed Budget

Red River Waterway Commission Board of Commissioners

The Red River Waterway Commission will hold committee meetings on Nov. 19-20, followed by a monthly commission meeting on Nov. 20. Key items include discussion of the 2025 proposed budget, awarding a design contract for multi-use trails, and approving a land sale to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

• Discussion of 2025 Proposed Budget (Revenue, Banking & Budget Committee)
• Consideration of Authority to Award Design Contract for 1North Adventure Trails/Phase 1D/Multi-Use Trails (Project No. 24-07, Contract No. RRW-842)
• Consideration of Approval of Land Sale to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for 1North Adventure Trails Mitigation Property (432.172 acres)
• Consideration of Construction Bids for Seawall Rehabilitation at Red Oak and Bishop Point (Project No. 24-02, Contract No. RRW-830)
• Consideration of Request for Right of Entry for Central Louisiana Regional Port/Hudson Realignment (60 acres)

The Commission approved the sale of 432.712 acres of mitigation property to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Other actions included awarding a design contract for adventure trails and a construction bid for seawall rehabilitation.

• Approved sale of 432.712 acres of North Adventure Trails mitigation property to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for $2,845,000.00 (Unanimous)
• Awarded design contract for North Adventure Trails Phase 1D Multi-Use Trails to KSA Engineers, Inc. and reserved $1,900,000.00 in the 2025 budget (Unanimous)
• Authorized staff to advertise for construction bids for North Adventure Trails Phase 1D Multi-Use Trails (Unanimous)
• Awarded construction bid for Seawall Rehabilitation at Red Oak and Bishop Point to Synergen Construction for $406,819.00 (Unanimous)
• Approved Right of Entry Permit for Central Louisiana Regional Port to perform soil borings (Unanimous)
• Approved October 2024 financial reports and expenditures (Unanimous)
• Approved October 16, 2024 meeting minutes (Unanimous)

Red River Waterway Commission Board of Commissioners

The Commission and its committees will meet to consider construction bids for recreation projects and lift station repairs. The body will also review land leaseback requests and the 2025 contracts list.

• Construction bids for Brouillette Playground and Comfort Station Project (No. 24-01)
• Construction bids for North Adventure Trails Phase 1 A Initial Parking and General Use Area (No. 24-03)
• Proposals for Ft. Buhlow Lift Station Repairs
• Leaseback renewal for Pool 5 Tract 7 (85.3 Acres) and leaseback request for Pool 3 Tract 63 (19 Acres)
• Approval of the 2025 Contracts List

The Commission awarded construction contracts for playground, trail, and lift station projects. It also approved two sports event sponsorships totaling $89,250 and several land leaseback agreements.

• Approved $358,100 bid to Bayou Rapides Corp. for Brouillette Playground and Comfort Station (unanimous)
• Approved $366,364.20 base bid to Specialty Trackhoe & Dozer Service, Inc. for North Adventure Trails Phase 1A (unanimous)
• Approved $25,522 bid to Poston Plumbing, LLC for Ft. Buhlow Lift Station Repairs and $26,000 budget amendment (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 contracts list (unanimous)
• Approved 5-year leaseback renewal to Magnolia Point Lands, LLC for $4,275.00 (unanimous)
• Approved 5-year leaseback to Joel B. Braud for $1,425.00 (unanimous)
• Approved $59,250 funding for 2025 F1 Powerboat Championship and National Fishing League Tournament (unanimous)
• Approved $30,000 sponsorship for July 2025 KingKat Catfishing Tournament (unanimous)

Red River Waterway Commission Board of Commissioners

The Red River Waterway Commission will consider awarding a public bid for a land lease at Lock & Dam 2, a revised offer to sell a 437.57-acre mitigation tract to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and revised rates for the Colfax RV Park. The meeting also includes committee reports, financial approvals, and an executive session.

• Award of public bid for land lease at Lock & Dam 2, Tract 14, Segments A & B, 20 acres
• Revised offer to sell 437.57-acre 1North Adventure Trails Mitigation Tract to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• Consideration of revised rates for Colfax RV Park
• Approval of expenditures, financial statements, and investment reports for August 2024
• Discussion of 2025 recreation projects list

The Commission approved the sale of 432.17 acres to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and awarded a land lease to Charles Bob Stevens. Additionally, the board revised RV park rates and directed the Executive Director to report unauthorized dirt removal to state authorities.

• Approved sale of 432.17 acres to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for $2,845,000.00 (unanimous)
• Approved 5-year land lease to Charles Bob Stevens for $3,000.00 (unanimous)
• Approved terminating America the Beautiful discount and setting Colfax RV Park daily rate to $24/night effective June 1, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved directing Executive Director to report unauthorized dirt removal to District Attorney, Legislative Auditor, and Louisiana Board of Ethics (unanimous)
• Approved August 2024 financial reports (unanimous)
• Approved August 21, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Red River Waterway Commission Board of Commissioners

The Red River Waterway Commission will hold committee meetings and a monthly commission meeting on August 21, 2024. Key decisions include adopting the 2024 tax millage by resolution and approving an audit services proposal. The commission will also consider advertising for construction bids for a playground and comfort station at Brouillette and additional amenities at Ft. Buhlow, as well as canceling and awarding a leaseback for a 20.9-acre tract in Pool 3.

• Adoption of 2024 Tax Millage by Resolution
• Consideration of Approval of Audit Services Proposal and 2024 Audit Engagement Letters
• Authority to Advertise for Construction Bids/Brouillette Playground and Comfort Station/Project No. 24-01/Contract No. RRW-827
• Authority to Advertise for Construction Bids/Ft. Buhlow Additional Amenities/Project No. 23-01/Contract No. RRW-819
• Consideration of Cancellation and Award of Leaseback/Pool 3 Tract 11/20.9 Acres

The Commission adopted 2024 tax millage rates for capital outlay and operations. It authorized construction bids for the Brouillette Playground and Ft. Buhlow amenities, and approved a leaseback for Pool 3 Tract 11. A three-year audit services proposal was also approved.

• Adopted 2024 Tax Millage Rates: 1.45 mills for capital outlay and 0.78 mills for operations (8-0-0-3)
• Authorized construction bids for Brouillette Playground and Comfort Station (Unanimous)
• Authorized construction bids for Ft. Buhlow Additional Amenities (Unanimous)
• Approved up to $100,000 for North Adventure Trails Phase 1C lake improvements (Unanimous)
• Approved cancellation of leaseback for Pool 3 Tract 11 with McQuillin Properties, LLC (Unanimous)
• Awarded 5-year leaseback of Pool 3 Tract 11 to John M. Wardlow for $1,567.50 (Unanimous)
• Approved three-year audit services proposal from Payne, Moore & Herrington, LLP (Unanimous)
• Approved July 2024 financial reports and expenditures (Unanimous)

Red River Waterway Commission Board of Commissioners

The Red River Waterway Commission will consider approving a cooperative endeavor agreement with Louisiana State Parks for Fort DeRussy State Historic Site improvements, and authorizing construction bids and a design contract for the North Adventure Trails project. The board will also vote on a funding request from the Avoyelles Parish Port Commission for a storage tank and a budget amendment. Committee meetings begin at 8:30 AM, followed by the full commission meeting at 10:00 AM.

• Consideration of Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Louisiana Office of State Parks for Fort DeRussy State Historic Site Improvements
• Authority to advertise for construction bids for North Adventure Trails Phase 1A (parking/general use area, Contract RRW-832) and Phase 1B (cross-country trails, Contract RRW-834)
• Authority to award design contract for North Adventure Trails Phase 1C (Lake Improvements)
• Consideration of funding request from Avoyelles Parish Port Commission for a storage tank
• Approval of budget amendment

The Commission approved a memorandum of agreement for up to $3 million in dredging funds and directed staff to decrease the 2024 adjusted millage rate to 2.23 mills. Several contracts for the North Adventure Trails and Fort DeRussy State Historic Site were also approved.

• Approved memorandum of agreement for dredging funds up to $3,000,000.00 (Unanimous)
• Approved decreasing 2024 adjusted millage rate to 2.23 mills (Unanimous)
• Awarded design contract to KSA Engineers for North Adventure Trails Phase 1C and approved $1,000,000.00 budget amendment (Unanimous)
• Approved $150,000.00 for North Adventure Trails site improvements via Synergen Construction, LLC (Unanimous)
• Approved additional $40,000.00 for Avoyelles Parish Port Commission storage tank, totaling $890,000.00 (Unanimous)
• Approved Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for Fort DeRussy State Historic Site improvements (Unanimous)
• Authorized advertising for construction bids for North Adventure Trails Phase 1A and 1B (Unanimous)
• Tabled North Adventure Trails logo

Red River Waterway Commission Board of Commissioners

The Commission will meet to consider several infrastructure and land use items, including construction bids for the Twelve Mile Bayou Boat Ramp and Access Road. The meeting also includes reviews of dredging agreements and cooperative endeavors for regional port facilities and recreation areas.

• Construction bids for Twelve Mile Bayou Boat Ramp and Access Road (Project No. 23-02)
• Change Order No. 5 for Grand Ecore Additional Amenities (Project No. 21-08)
• Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for Brouillette Recreation Area Comfort Station and Playground
• Request to place kayak kiosks on Commission property
• Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for Central Louisiana Regional Port Electrical Substation Manufacturing Facility

The Commission approved a construction bid for the Twelve Mile Bayou Boat Ramp and a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for an electrical substation manufacturing facility. Other actions included approving a final change order for Grand Ecore amenities and a contract rate increase for legal counsel.

• Approved Twelve Mile Bayou Boat Ramp and Access Road bid to Synergen Construction, LLC for $2,437,648.67 (unanimous)
• Approved Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for Central Louisiana Regional Port electrical substation facility, including $2,612,390.00 fund reservation (unanimous)
• Approved Change Order No. 5 for Grand Ecore Additional Amenities, increasing cost by $28,453.63 to a final total of $3,047,580.78 (unanimous)
• Approved Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for Brouillette Recreation Area Comfort Station & Playground (unanimous)
• Approved contract with Gold, Weems, Bruser, Sues & Rundell with proposed rate increase (unanimous)
• Approved May 2024 financial statements and reports (unanimous)
• Tabled request for kayak kiosks pending a feasibility study

Red River Waterway Commission Board of Commissioners

The Red River Waterway Commission Board will hold committee meetings and a monthly commission meeting on May 14-15, 2024. Items include approval of an addendum to the Grand Ecore RV Park operator agreement, award of land leases and leaseback renewals, adoption of a master plan for 1North Adventure Trails, and a funding request for an electrical substation manufacturing facility. The board will also consider a boat spraying contract, purchase of an ATV, and receive the 2023 audit report.

• Consideration of Addendum No. 1 to Grand Ecore RV Park Operator Agreement
• Award of public bid land lease for Lock & Dam 2/Tract 3/11 Acres
• Adoption of Master Plan for 1North Adventure Trails
• Funding request for Central Louisiana Regional Port/Electrical Substation Manufacturing Facility
• Approval of purchase of ATV on state contract

The Red River Waterway Commission approved several land leases, design contracts for the I North Adventure Trails, and funding for port projects. The board also increased compensation for the Grand Ecore RV Park operator and authorized the purchase of a Gator ATV.

• Approved funding up to $2,612,390.00 for Central Louisiana Regional Port Electrical Substation Manufacturing Facility
• Approved $1,573,075.45 budget amendment to restore Natchitoches Port dock structure
• Approved Addendum No. 1 to Grand Ecore RV Park Operator Agreement increasing annual compensation by $38,340.00
• Adopted Master Plan and approved KSA Engineers, LLC for design of I North Adventure Trails Phase 1A and 1B
• Approved 5-year land lease to Big Lake Hunting Club, Inc. for $1,100.00
• Approved 5-year leaseback renewal with Ratzburg Farms, LLC for $2,920.00
• Approved 5-year leaseback renewal with Dr. Robert Craig for $3,975.00
• Approved $15,000.00 budget amendment to purchase a Gator ATV

Red River Waterway Commission Board of Commissioners

The Red River Waterway Commission will hold its monthly meeting on April 17, 2024, following committee meetings. Key actions include adopting the 2024 tax millage rate, awarding a public bid land lease at Hadden Ft. DeRussy, and approving funding for the Natchitoches Parish Port dock. The commission will also consider contracts for the Grand Ecore RV Park and increases for recreation area projects.

• Adoption of 2024 Tax Millage by Resolution
• Award of Public Bid Land Lease/Hadden Ft. DeRussy/Tracts A, B, C & D/77.8 Acres
• Approval of Funding Request/Natchitoches Parish Port/Dock
• Approval of Addendum No. 1/Grand Ecore RV Park Operator Agreement
• Authority to Increase Available Funds for Fort Buhlow Recreation Area Additional Amenities (Project 23-01, Contract RRW-818)

The Commission adopted 2024 tax millage rates for capital outlay and operations. It approved funding for the Natchitoches Parish Port and increased budgets for the Fort Buhlow Recreation Area and Twelve Mile Bayou Boat Ramp. A pool maintenance contract and land leases were also approved.

• Adopted 2024 Tax Millage Rates of 1.52 mills for capital outlay and 0.82 mills for operations (9-0-0)
• Approved funding request up to $1,845,279.00 for Natchitoches Parish Port/Dock (unanimous)
• Increased Fort Buhlow Recreation Area budget to $5,000,000.00 (unanimous)
• Increased Twelve Mile Bayou Boat Ramp budget to $3,800,000.00 (approved with one dissenting vote)
• Approved pool maintenance contract with Clearwater Pools for estimated $22,160.00 annually (approved with one abstention)
• Approved 5-year lease of 77.8 acres to Joe Smetak, Jr. for $4,862.50 (unanimous)
• Approved 3-year feral hog hunting permit for Clark Chandler and Joseph Teal Carpenter (unanimous)
• Approved 12’ Channel Cost Share Agreement (unanimous)

Red River Waterway Commission Board of Commissioners

The Commission will meet to review several committee reports, including updates on investment management and marketing. Key discussions involve approving new mowing and maintenance contracts, as well as awarding land leases for Fort DeRussy and Wilson Point.

• Increase available funds for Fort Buhlow Recreation Area Additional Amenities (Project No. 23-01)
• Approval of Parks Mowing Service contract for Grand Ecore RV Park
• Approval of General Services and Maintenance Contract with Synergen Construction, LLC
• Award of leaseback renewal for Hadden Fort DeRussy Tract E (5.4 acres)
• Award of public bid land lease for Wilson Point Realignment (117 acres)

The Commission approved a feasibility study for a 12’ channel and awarded two land leases. It also authorized a maintenance contract with Synergen Construction, LLC and a bridge project at the Fish Lake Mitigation Property.

• Approved 12’ Channel Feasibility Study Agreements (Unanimous)
• Approved 5-year leaseback renewal with Doyle Lofton for $486.00 (Unanimous)
• Approved 5-year land lease to John Todd Lowry for $7,020.00 (Unanimous)
• Approved $42,152.79 proposal from Synergen Construction, LLC for railcar bridge and $50,000.00 budget amendment (Unanimous)
• Approved 3-year General Services & Maintenance Contract with Synergen Construction, LLC (Unanimous)
• Approved $1,100.00 contract change for Parks Mowing Service at Grand Ecore (Unanimous)
• Tabled increase of funds for Fort Buhlow Recreation Area Project No. 23-01
• Approved February 2024 financial reports (Unanimous)

Red River Waterway Commission Board of Commissioners

The Red River Waterway Commission will meet to consider awarding design contracts for a new comfort station and playground at Brouillette Recreation Area and for seawall rehabilitation at Red Oak and Bishop Point. The board will also consider approving a cooperative endeavor agreement for the King Kat Tournament and a memorandum of understanding for the Central Louisiana Regional Port's Beaver Lake Project. Additionally, the commission will review a request to revise a dredging agreement and consider approving the 2023 surplus inventory list and audit compliance questionnaire.

• Consideration of Award of Design Contract for Brouillette Recreation Area Comfort Station and Playground Amenities (Project No. 24-01, Contract No. RRW-827)
• Consideration of Award of Design Contract for Seawall Rehabilitation at Red Oak and Bishop Point (Project No. 24-02, Contract No. RRW-829)
• Consideration of Approval of Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for the King Kat Tournament
• Consideration of Approval of Memorandum of Understanding for Central Louisiana Regional Port/Beaver Lake Project
• Consideration of Request for Revisions to Dredging Agreement for Pool 4 Tracts 18, 19 & 20 Segment A

The Commission approved a memorandum of agreement for $3,010,000 in dredging funds and awarded several design contracts for recreation area improvements. The board also approved multiple land lease renewals, a $30,000 funding agreement for the KingKat Tournament, and a reallocation of $646,000 for port facility expansions.

• Approved $3,010,000 memorandum of agreement for dredging and budget amendment to $4,510,000
• Awarded design contract for Brouillette Recreation Area to Meyer, Meyer, LaCroix and Hixson, Inc.
• Awarded design contract for Seawall Rehabilitation to Civil Design Group, LLC
• Approved $646,000 reallocation for Central Louisiana Regional Port facility expansions
• Approved $30,000 funding for 2024 KingKat Signature Series Event
• Awarded 5-year bid lease for Pool 3 Tract 76 Segment A and Lock & Dam 3 Phase I Tract 2 to Brandon Coutee for $5,950.00
• Approved 5-year lease extension for Once More Realignment to Benjamin Elkins for $65,730.50
• Tabled authority to increase funds for Fort Buhlow Recreation Area Additional Amenities

Red River Waterway Commission Board of Commissioners

The regular monthly meeting of the Red River Waterway Commission scheduled for Wednesday, January 17, 2024, has been cancelled. The cancellation is due to adverse weather conditions and winter storm advisories.

The regular monthly meeting of the Red River Waterway Commission scheduled for January 17, 2024, was cancelled. The cancellation was due to adverse weather conditions and winter storm advisories.

Red River Waterway Commission Board of Commissioners

The Red River Waterway Commission will hold committee meetings starting at 8:30 AM followed by the monthly commission meeting at 10:00 AM. Key items include awarding design contracts for a comfort station and playground at Brouillette Recreation Area and seawall rehabilitation at Red Oak and Bishop Point, as well as land lease awards, leaseback renewals, a port expansion supplemental agreement, and approval of the 2023 audit compliance questionnaire.

• Consideration of award of design contract for Brouillette Recreation Area Comfort Station and Playground Amenities (Project No. 24-01, Contract No. RRW-827)
• Consideration of award of design contract for Seawall Rehabilitation at Red Oak and Bishop Point (Project No. 24-02, Contract No. RRW-829)
• Consideration of award of public bid land lease for Pool 3 Tract 76 Segment A and Lock & Dam 3 Phase II Tract 2 (59.5 acres)
• Consideration of approval of Supplemental Agreement No. 1 for Central Louisiana Regional Port/Facilities Expansion
• Consideration of approval of 2023 Audit Compliance Questionnaire