FY 2027 Community Projects
Projects are listed by bill and in alphabetical order by the intended recipient.
Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
Project Name: Avoyelles Communications Center Technology and Equipment Modernization Project
Intended Recipient: Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office
Intended Recipient Address: 675 Government Street, Marksville, LA 71351
Requested Amount: $1,020,000
Project Description: The funds would be utilized to procure a comprehensive Computer-Aided Dispatch and Records Management System, along with the required server hardware to be installed at the Avoyelles Communications Center in Mansura, Louisiana. This project guarantees seamless communication between multiple responding agencies during critical incidents, enhancing the overall safety of the public and first responders. This project represents a highly responsible and efficient use of taxpayer funding because it directly aids in the preservation of life and property. By centralizing this technology upgrade, this project will exponentially benefit every municipality, agency, and citizen within Avoyelles Parish.
Project Name: Rural and Small Town Law Enforcement Technology & Equipment Modernization Project
Intended Recipient: Capital District Law Enforcement Planning Council
Intended Recipient Address: 1406 South Range Avenue, Suite 5, Denham Springs, LA 70726
Requested Amount: $1,560,000
Project Description: The funding would be used to purchase fully outfitted police cruisers as well as upgraded law enforcement equipment and technology for 26 small and rural law enforcement agencies across 10 parishes. This funding would provide essential safety resources to police departments across the following cities, towns, and villages: Addis, Albany, Amite, Baker, Bogalusa, Central, Clinton, Denham Springs, Franklinton, French Settlement, Gonzales, Independence, Jackson, Livingston, Montpelier, Port Allen, Port Vincent, Ponchatoula, Plaquemine, Roseland, St. Francisville, St. Gabriel, Springfield, Tickfaw, Walker, and Zachary. This project is a good use of taxpayer funding because it will ensure law enforcement has access to reliable and safe equipment so they can maintain the highest standard to meet the expectations and daily calls of service within rural communities.
Project Name: Law Enforcement Assistance, Training and Equipment Modernization Program Project
Intended Recipient: Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association
Intended Recipient Address: 1175 Nicholson Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Requested Amount: $1,000,000
Project Description: The funding would be used to purchase a law enforcement vehicle to transport the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association’s mobile command unit during emergencies as well as software upgrades to update officer training modules so Louisiana law enforcement officers can respond effectively to rapidly evolving situations. This project is a prudent use of taxpayer funds because it strengthens public safety, ensures rapid response capabilities across the state, and equips officers with the knowledge and tools to protect and serve their communities at the highest standards.
Project Name: Market Ready Rice: Quality Standards that Strengthen Louisiana’s Competitiveness Project
Intended Recipient: Louisiana State University Agricultural Center
Intended Recipient Address: 101 J. Norman Efferson Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Requested Amount: $5,150,000
Project Description: The project will create a statewide, industry ready, measurement and verification system to improve rice quality throughout Louisiana. The funds will be used to acquire scientific equipment to support standards development, provide independent validation services for benchmarking, and implement minor facility improvements to ensure optimal equipment installation and full utilization. This project is a good use of taxpayer funds because it creates much needed industry standards that will benefit the entire Louisiana rice supply chain from grower to miller to consumer. This project will create a stronger platform for rural economic growth and ultimately help Louisiana’s agricultural industry compete more effectively in the global marketplace.
Project Name: Law Enforcement Equipment Modernization Project
Intended Recipient: North Delta Law Enforcement Planning District
Intended Recipient Address: 6556 Main Street, Winnsboro, LA 71295
Requested Amount: $2,000,000
Project Description: The funds would be utilized to purchase a total of 33 fully outfitted police cruisers and law enforcement equipment including upgraded radios and radar for law enforcement agencies across 11 parishes. This funding would benefit Sheriffs’ Offices in Caldwell Parish, East Carroll Parish, Franklin Parish, Jackson Parish, Madison Parish, Morehouse Parish, Ouachita Parish, Richland Parish, Tensas Parish, Union Parish, and West Carroll Parish. This project is a good use of taxpayer funds because it ensures law enforcement agencies have safe, reliable, and properly maintained vehicles and equipment to respond effectively to calls for service across large, rural areas.
Project Name: Expansion of Water Quality Monitoring and Research Project
Intended Recipient: Southeastern Louisiana University
Intended Recipient Address: 500 W. University Avenue, Hammond, LA 70402
Requested Amount: $2,500,000
Project Description: The funds would be utilized to purchase scientific equipment, make minor improvements to existing laboratory space to house the equipment, acquire a backup power source, and support two post-doctoral researcher positions. This project also seeks to assist in cleanup efforts at ongoing environmental incident sites, particularly the Smitty’s Fire Supply explosion in Roseland, LA and the environmental impact of the contaminants in the Tangipahoa River and throughout the surrounding community. This project is a good use of taxpayer funds because it expands Southeastern Louisiana University’s Center for Environmental Research (CER) capacity to monitor a wide range of harmful environmental contaminants in-house and invest in the state’s ability to monitor and protect water quality and public health.
Project Name: Warhawk Disaster Response Training & Innovation Center Project
Intended Recipient: University of Louisiana Monroe
Intended Recipient Address: 700 University Avenue, Monroe, LA 71209
Requested Amount: $5,000,000
Project Description: The project will create a technology-enabled applied research environment dedicated to improving disaster preparedness, emergency coordination, and response systems in disaster-prone regions of the United States. The funds will be used to acquire scientific equipment including advanced simulation platforms, data analytics tools, and high-performance computing capabilities. This request represents responsible use of taxpayer funding because it supports the development and evaluation of technologies and operational practices that improve disaster response. By advancing applied research, strengthening STEM education, and improving coordination among emergency response systems, the project will contribute to safer communities, more resilient infrastructure, and more effective disaster preparedness across the state and region.