The opinions expressed in this Op-Ed do not necessarily reflect those of the Lincoln Parish Journal publishing staff.
As Lincoln Parish voters head to the polls this month, the Police Jury is asking residents to renew two millages that provide critical funding for parish transportation infrastructure, maintenance, and improvements.
lmportantly, this is not an increase in the millages, but a Parish-wide renewal that occurs every 10 years. These millages provide approximately 95% of the Police Jury’s annual budget for repair and resurfacing work on the more than 450 miles of Parish roads and dozens of bridges and related drainage structures that are under their jurisdiction.
As the population of Lincoln Parish continues to grow, major infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, storm water drainage, and public transportation, play an increasingly critical role in public safety, increasing mobility and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents. Proper road construction and maintenance is also key to ensuring Lincoln Parish has the infrastructure in place to support existing businesses, and that new businesses see Lincoln Parish as a preferred place to locate along the l-20 corridor.
ln the last 10 years, revenue generated by the millages funded the construction, repair or resurfacing of approximately 220 miles of Parish roads and numerous bridges. The total taxpayer cost of both millages for a home appraised at a fair market value of $150,000 would be $66.15 per year.
The Lincoln Parish Police Jury is also looking ahead, planning for future Parish transportation needs by recently completing a Parish-wide Long Range Transportation Study.
The Planning Study began in late 2024 and involved significant public and stakeholder input, resulting in identification of 26 potential transportation-related infrastructure improvement projects designed to meet current and future Lincoln Parish needs.
The study was designed to provide Lincoln Parish with a safe, secure, high-quality and dependable transportation system, support economic development and regional competitiveness, and improve connectivity and mobility across the Parish.
Specific proposed improvements, which involve a mixture of local, state and federal funding, include a new l-20 interchange at Rough Edge Road, new truck bypass routes, and safety improvements at major intersections. lncreasing pedestrian and bicycle pathways were additional items receiving favorable public interest in a survey conducted as part of the study.
Taking a look back at what has been done to improve Parish roads and bridges during the last 10 years, and ahead to what needs to be done in both the short- and long-term to continue improving Lincoln Parish’s transportation infrastructure to support public safety and economic growth, renewing the two millages makes good common and financial sense.
Please vote “FOR” the Lincoln Parish road construction and maintenance millage renewals on May 16th.
Glenn Scriber, President
Lincoln Parish Police Jury
