The Leesville City Council held a busy meeting Monday, September 25, and announced big news for the Leesville Airport.
Ft. Johnson Garrison Commander Colonel C.J. Lopez announced this week that the Army awarded 17 grants totaling $100 million from the Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot Program. These grants are given to communities whose infrastructure needs assistance to better serve the Army mission. The City of Leesville was granted $4.93 million to extend a runway at the airport that would support the JRTC and Fort Johnson with additional mission capabilities. Mayor Allen thanked State Senator Mike Reese for his work in securing matching state funds equaling 30% of the project.
Council members approved payment of monthly bills totaling $99,559. New pay requests were submitted for work at Highway 171 and Boone Street by Apeck Construction and Meyer & Associates in the amount of $44,298. This work is associated with the upcoming state roundabout project on the south end of Leesville. Bills totaling $42,461 were presented for payment by Pelican Land Surveying, Meyer & Associates, David J. Holder, P.E., and Blueprint and Copy Services.
The City introduced an ordinance to purchase land from Martin Timberlands, LLC for $18,000. This land is for building a lift station at the proposed substation on Entrance Road. A public hearing on the matter will be held October 9.
Mayor Allen issued a proclamation for October announcing Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Council members met the new Bayne Jones Army Community Hospital Commander, Colonel Alisa Wilma, as she brought a host of volunteers with her for the event.
City Administrator Patti Larney told visitors she had been contacted by CPKC Railroad about bringing their Holiday Express Train to Leesville on Sunday December 10 from 4-8pm. That date is pending.
