LIVINGSTON PARISH, LA (WAFB) -
A Livingston Parish state senator is calling out the Governor. Senator Dale
Erdey says he's not sure why Governor Jindal vetoed a plan to support Juban
Crossing. He says the Governor must have a personal vendetta.
Things sit quietly on the site of Juban Crossing. Construction equipment was
brought in, land was cleared and a sign went up that reads: Coming Soon 2012.
The year is here, but little else is.
"People started asking questions. Then all of sudden there was a
delivery of pipe. People got excited again. The questions started coming again
and then you haven't seen a lot happen," said Layton Ricks, Livingston
Parish President.
Juban Crossing falls in Senator Dale Erdey's district. He asked the
legislature to approve a bill to use state tax money for infrastructure
improvements at the site for sewer, drainage and roads.
State lawmakers approved SB673. But Governor Jindal said no. Erdey says
Jindal is playing hardball politics.
"Kinda consider this a personal vendetta. The Governor has targeted
those who voted against the education package," said Sen. Erdey.
While the education plan did pass, of the seven state lawmakers from
Livingston Parish - three voted against the Governor's education reform. Erdey
was one of the 'no' votes.
Now he says it's like the Governor, who's always touted economic
development, has turned his back on progress in this parish. On 1,500
construction jobs and 2,500 new permanent jobs, said Erdey.
Jindal said the project should get the approval of Louisiana Economic
Development. But Livingston officials say it's already clear LED's economic
director doesn't approve of the project because it will take money away from
Baton Rouge.
Erdey also says two Baton Rouge projects: Renaissance Hotel and River Park
were handled the same way - but only Juban Crossing was vetoed.
"This one here is being scrutinized differently. The Governor has
turned his back on Livingston Parish. As well as 39 public officials who signed
a support letter for this project," Sen. Erdey said.
Parish President Layton Ricks says while he's hoping Juban Crossing will
someday build; the Governor's ruling is another setback.
"I'm just disappointed right now," Ricks said.
Senator Erdey says this is not the end. He says there are other bills that
have been vetoed and lawmakers are planning to pursue a veto override session.
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Site for Juban Crossing shopping center
