Boulet Administration Secures $22M Reimbursement for Bayou Vermilion Flood Control Project at Homewood

BOULET ADMINISTRATION SECURES $22 MILLION REIMBURSEMENT FOR BAYOU VERMILION FLOOD CONTROL PROJECT AT HOMEWOOD

Major milestone follows years of work to resolve longstanding legal, financial and regulatory challenges

Lafayette, LA – Lafayette Mayor-President Monique B. Boulet announced today that Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG) has officially received $22 million in reimbursement for the Bayou Vermilion Flood Control (Homewood Detention) project, marking a significant financial milestone after years of legal, regulatory and financial challenges.

The reimbursement follows extensive work by the Boulet Administration, state and federal partners to resolve longstanding issues that placed millions in public funding at risk and delayed progress on one of Lafayette Parish's largest drainage investments.

"This project was one of the reasons I considered running for this office," said Mayor-President Boulet. "When we took office, we inherited a project facing serious legal, financial and regulatory challenges, with millions of dollars at risk. We made a commitment to the people of Milton and Lafayette Parish that we would do the work necessary to get this project back on track. Today, we're delivering on a major part of that promise."

Addressing Longstanding Challenges

Construction on the Homewood Detention project began in February 2022 under the previous administration but was suspended in November 2023 due to a lack of funding from the Louisiana Facility Planning and Control (FP&C) program.

When the Boulet Administration took office in January 2024, the project faced unresolved engineering and permitting requirements, outstanding contractor issues and significant uncertainty surrounding reimbursement of previously expended funds.

The administration immediately prioritized resolving these challenges, including reestablishing relationships with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and state funding partners, conducting site visits, addressing outstanding contractual matters and bringing in new project management and engineering expertise.

In November 2024, LCG secured an initial $6.1 million reimbursement. The administration continued working with state officials to resolve the remaining financial challenges, ultimately securing legislative approval during the 2026 Regular Legislative Session through an amendment to House Bill 2.

That work has now resulted in the receipt of an additional $22 million in reimbursement. State Representative Troy Hebert played a key role in advancing the legislative efforts necessary to secure the reimbursement, including the amendment to House Bill 2. The administration also recognized Congressman Clay Higgins for his continued diligence and advocacy in addressing federal regulatory challenges involving the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as well as Parish Councilman John Guilbeau for his ongoing involvement and advocacy on behalf of the Milton community.

"This reimbursement was never guaranteed," Boulet said. "It required our team to rebuild credibility, work through complicated legal and regulatory issues and demonstrate that Lafayette was serious about getting this project right. I'm incredibly proud of the work that has gone into reaching this point, and grateful to Congressman Clay Higgins, Representative Troy Hebert, Councilman John Guilbeau and our state and federal partners for their continued commitment to moving this project forward."

Construction Progress and Next Steps

The Bayou Vermilion Flood Control project includes approximately 118 acres of detention ponds across a 372-acre site in the Milton area. The project is designed to improve stormwater management and strengthen drainage infrastructure serving the surrounding community.

While financial and regulatory issues were being addressed, LCG continued advancing construction and coordinating with residents affected by the project.

Key progress includes:

• March 2025: New project management and engineering teams brought on to advance construction, design and permitting.
• December 2025: Coulee Ile de Cannes pond improvements approved for construction.
• January 2026: Construction began on the Coulee Ile de Cannes portion of the project.
• July 2026: Connection to Coulee Ile de Cannes established ahead of the remaining hurricane season.
• September 2026: Coulee Ile de Cannes construction substantially completed.

With this work substantially complete, LCG is preparing to advance the remaining activities at Homewood.

Upcoming milestones include:

• December 2026: Advance removal of deactivated gas pipelines within Homewood Ponds 1 and 2.
• Q1 2027: Complete pipeline removal to clear the way for remaining construction.
• Q2/Q3 2027: Resume construction on Ponds 1 and 2, including work to establish the connection to the Vermilion River.

LCG has also continued meeting with residents in Milton to provide updates, answer questions and address concerns about the project's progress.

"We know the people of Milton have been waiting a long time for answers and results," Boulet added. "We've been committed to showing up, having honest conversations and doing the work necessary to move forward. There is still work ahead, but we are making meaningful progress toward completing these critical drainage improvements and making the Milton community whole again."

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