Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards and Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome, joined by fellow University Lakes Project partners, announced yesterday that Phase 1 of the University Lakes Project is now fully funded.
Construction will begin this summer, led by Sevenson Environmental Services.
“The start of construction to restore the lakes is now just a few months away. This important and exciting initiative is the outcome of the early vision of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation and the more recent collaboration and funding of several community partners,” said Edwards.
“As we revitalize and enhance this much-beloved area of Baton Rouge, we will also reduce flood risk for surrounding areas and increase recreational amenities for the broad community.”
The first phase of the University Lakes Project includes water quality, flood risk reduction (dredging) efforts and mobility improvements addressing the key areas identified as critical by participants in the public engagement process.
The dredging will allow City Park, Erie, College, Crest and Campus Lakes to be deepened, as well as a portion of University Lake.
Major elements of Phase 1 are:
Phase 1 completion is expected by December 2023 at a total cost of $32 million. Phase 2, dependent upon future funding, will deepen and reshape the remainder of University Lake.