Let the construction begin!

For a day that began with high winds and heavy rains, things couldn’t have been more beautiful inside the Crowley City Hall building.
A ceremonial groundbreaking event for the long awaited Interstate 10 Service Road was held with a long list of area dignitaries.
The service road, which will connect Exits 80 and 82, is expected to provide a large boost to the local economy. And those who had a hand in pushing for the project — including Rep. Charles Boustany and former Rep. Chris John — were in a celebratory mood.
“This was a long time coming,” said Mayor Greg Jones. “This is going to enhance the Crowley’s economic impact on I-10. This is a testament to the hard work and perseverance of this and previous administrations and councils.”
At the outset of the ceremony, Jones noting the wind and rain through the window behind him quipped, “You’re welcome,” to the laughter of those in attendance.
The ceremony was originally intended to be held outdoors along Cherokee Road, which will be the east end of the service road.
Jones introduced Boustany, who described the ceremony as “a proud day for the city of Crowley.”
“I’ve seen it with Rayne and Scott,” he added. “This service road brings an economic boost with it. It’s all due to patience and perseverance.”
Bill Oliver with the Department of Transportation and Development thanked Boustany and his predecessor, John, for helping to acquire the funding necessary for the project.
“It displays a great partnership between a city, state and the federal government,” he said. He also thanked Mader Engineering (Crowley City Engineer Tim Mader was in attendance).
“Now it’s time to get to work,” he said.
Oliver was followed by John, who began by thanking the Hoffpauer family for the land that the road is being built on. He recalled his days on the Crowley City Council more than a quarter of a century ago.
“In 1984, I was elected to the city council and I used to envision this service road,” he said. “This is an incredible economic opportunity for the city and it just goes to show that it is possible for local government to get something done.
“It may take 25 years but we’re getting there,” he joked.
John noted the number of people who travel south Louisiana’s main artery (40,000 a day and 22 million a year) and how the service road will draw those travelers in.
“You all deserve credit for not dropping the ball on this one,” he said.
Former DOTD Director Bill Fontenot, who served prior to Oliver, congratulated city officials on their tenacity, specifically mentioning Jones and former Mayor Isabella dela Houssaye, and noted Crowley’s dedication on completing “non-traditional projects.”
“I’ve learned that you can never say ‘never’ in Crowley,” Fontenot joked.
Prior to the end of the ceremony, Jones thanked Mader for “reigning me in when I need it and being patient when I wasn’t.
“I think this is huge for us,” he said. “I hope it’s ready by the time I leave office.”