Northwest Boulevard rehabilitaton work set to begin

The city of Franklin’s administration announced the upcoming rehabilitation project for Northwest Boulevard, made possible by the efforts of former state Sen. Bret Allain and state Rep. Vincent St. Blanc, who secured state DOTD funding for all three phases of the project. The engineering phase took about a year to complete. Those who have driven down Northwest Boulevard recently may have noticed surveyors marking the land for Phase 1, which stretches from La. 182 to the railroad tracks. This first phase will involve widening the boulevard from two lanes to four to accommodate the expected growth and development in the area. Heavy machinery and construction materials will soon be staged in the area, and contractors will begin placing signs warning of road construction.
Franklin Mayor Eugene Foulcard has frequently emphasized that “as Main Street goes, so goes the rest of the community.” He has also said, “Franklin didn’t get this way overnight, and it won’t be fixed perfectly overnight.” Since taking office in 2018, the mayor and his administration have worked to revitalize the Main Street corridor, believing that a thriving Main Street would help generate tax revenue and drive economic growth. When the effort began, the Main Street District had a 40% occupancy rate. Thanks to an emphasis on civic pride and economic development, the district now boasts a remarkable 93% occupancy rate, a national achievement since 2020. In 2019, the Franklin Main Street Program earned National Accreditation with Main Street America, and local shopping has led to an increase in tax revenue, which has helped fund various critical projects. These include the $2.3 million Cayce Street rehabilitation, the $400,000 Love Louisiana Outdoors Playground grant for four parks, the $1.7 million HVAC replacement grant for both community centers, the $1.3 million Yokely Bayou flood mitigation project that had been stalled for over 40 years, the $87,500 upgrade to the 5th Street Dock & Fishing Pier, and the beginning of foundational replacements of valves and hydrants across the city’s water distribution system.
Additionally, the city has begun work on a $2.3 million upgrade to its aging water plant, including the installation of a new backwash pump, filtration system, and turbidity meters. This rehabilitation will also replace some of the city’s century-old water distribution lines. While this marks an important start, much more work remains to fully modernize the city’s infrastructure.
The administration is committed to identifying funding for the continued rehabilitation of water, sewer, and roads. A $536,000 Sidewalk Rehabilitation Project, funded by DOTD, the LSU AgCenter’s Safe Streets Program, and the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, is set to begin soon. Franklin was one of only six Main Street Districts nationwide to receive the US Department of Transportation’s Thriving Communities Grant, which will help re-envision Parc Sur La Teche, improving accessibility for seniors and people with disabilities, with new boardwalks, green spaces, and event-friendly areas, as well as replacing the eroding bulkhead.
Other recent projects include a $50,000 lighting upgrade at Caffery Park, which now also includes new pickleball courts. The Grevemburg House in City Park is undergoing a $100,000 preservation project to restore its roof and exterior, and the Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts is receiving repairs for hurricane damage, thanks to State Appropriations from State Representative Vincent St. Blanc and Senator Robert Allain in the fiscal 2024 session. Additionally, $50,000 in state funding has been allocated to the Main Street Design Committee’s St. Mary Parish Courthouse project.
In the near future, the city will begin the second phase of blighted property removal across Franklin, now that all legal processes have been completed. The first phase resulted in the demolition or renovation of over 36 blighted structures throughout the city.
Grant and project funds are strictly designated for specific purposes and cannot be used for other needs. While challenges remain, the administration is focused on taking one step at a time to secure the necessary funding for future projects. Mayor Foulcard encourages the community to continue supporting local businesses by shopping, eating, playing, and fueling locally, as these actions will continue to fuel the revitalization of the entire city.