Industrial Park access roads completed

By RAYMOND L. DAYE
It was a bittersweet conclusion to a construction project that once looked like the first step toward a much-needed economic boost.
The Bunkie City Council accepted the work of Merrick Construction to construct the access roads to Bunkie Industrial Park as being complete and authorized final payment of the $985,000 contract.
Although the town still has high hopes of businesses and industries locating in the industrial park, the loss of the Gulf Coast Spinning Plant dimmed what would otherwise have been a bright, triumphant moment at the council’s Aug. 13 meeting.
Gulf Coast recently confirmed that it was discontinuing work at the Bunkie site and had agreed to locate its cotton spinning plant in Shreveport instead.
Mayor Pro-Tem Greg Prudhomme said there have been expressions of interest from businesses concerning the industrial park, but no new tenant that would help to replace Gulf Coast’s operation.
Prudhomme chaired the meeting. Mayor Mike Robertson was absent.
In other business, the council:
-- Introduced an ordinance to issue $3.25 million in utility revenue bonds for sewer system improvements. A public hearing on the proposed ordinance was called for 5:45 p.m. Sept. 10 and is expected to be approved at the council’s regular monthly meeting following that hearing.
-- Accepted as complete the DOTD’s work on Ebony and Commercial Street crossings.