DERIDDER—“When and how will DeRidder ever get a bypass” echoes in the ears of Bobby Hennigan, District Administrator for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), every time he visits Beauregard Parish.

As guest speaker at the Lions Club lunch on Wednesday, January 13, Hennigan made it very clear several steps remain before a bypass can become a reality for the community of DeRidder.
Two important studies are required for a project of this scale.

First, a feasibility study is done to look at the purpose and the need of the project according to Hennigan.

“We look at why do we want or need the project? Is the project necessary or are there alternatives that will meet this need? What issues will we face if the project is built? Are there any environmental issues that must be addressed? And what is a reasonable cost estimate and where will the funding come? These are what we look for in a feasibility study,” Hennigan said.

The second study the DOTD and the Federal Government are required to do is an environmental study.

This study looks at the area to see if there are any endangered species, parks, churches, cemeteries, historic cites or Indian Mounds that may be affected. It also looks at if these areas have any minority or poverty stricken neighborhoods and if any of these conditions exist, solutions to address the issue must be proposed according to Hennigan.

The feasibility study has been completed, although an environmental study has not.

“I have been told that that at this time the DOTO will not provide funding for an environmental study. So for this project to go any further right now, funding has to be found for the environmental study,” said Hennigan.

After the two studies are complete, the next steps are to design the project, purchase necessary right of way and to relocate the utilities.

“All of this work has to be paid for and right now no funding is available,” said Hennigan.

Finally, the DOTD can get to the construction of the project, which is an estimated $80 to $90 million to build the bypass for the city of DeRidder, if the funding is there.

“If the community wants the project we must be persistent, we must continue to look for funding sources; and we must keep the project on the front burner. It won’t be easy, but if we don’t push it will never be built,” said Hennigan.