Opelousas Public Works Committee Meets to Discuss Local Issues

Committee to address speed bumps, drainage, and broadband access

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The St. Landry Parish Public Works Committee is holding a meeting in Opelousas, Louisiana to discuss a variety of local infrastructure and community issues. The agenda includes addressing applications for the Coulee Croche Fire Protection District, installing speed bumps, improving drainage, and expanding broadband access in rural areas. The committee will also receive an update on the "Smooth Ride Home" program.

Why it matters

This public works committee meeting is an important forum for local officials and residents to come together and address pressing community needs related to public safety, infrastructure, and quality of life. Decisions made at this meeting could have a direct impact on the daily lives of Opelousas residents.

The details

The Public Works Committee is made up of six members - Jody White, Mildred Thierry, Alvin Stelly, Vivian Olivier, Jimmie Edwards, and Ernest Blanchard. Wayne Ardoin serves as an ex-officio member. The committee will be reviewing applications for two open positions on the Coulee Croche Fire Protection District board. They will also discuss installing speed bumps on a curvy section of Dufilho Road, addressing drainage issues in the parish, and expanding broadband access in rural areas. An update will also be provided on the "Smooth Ride Home" program.

  • The public works committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 6:00 PM.
  • The two open positions on the Coulee Croche Fire Protection District board are for a two-year term from April 20, 2024 to April 20, 2026.

The players

Jody White

Member of the St. Landry Parish Public Works Committee.

Mildred Thierry

Member of the St. Landry Parish Public Works Committee.

Alvin Stelly

Member of the St. Landry Parish Public Works Committee.

Vivian Olivier

Member of the St. Landry Parish Public Works Committee.

Jimmie Edwards

Member of the St. Landry Parish Public Works Committee.

Ernest Blanchard

Member of the St. Landry Parish Public Works Committee.

Wayne Ardoin

Ex-officio member of the St. Landry Parish Public Works Committee.

Dexter Brown

Councilman who requested discussion of speed bumps on Dufilho Road.

Mildred Thierry

Councilwoman who requested discussion of drainage and broadband issues.

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What they’re saying

“We must address the pressing infrastructure and quality of life issues facing our community.”

— Jody White, Public Works Committee Member (stlandrynow.com)

“Improving broadband access in our rural areas is critical for economic development and quality of life.”

— Mildred Thierry, Public Works Committee Member and Councilwoman (stlandrynow.com)

What’s next

The committee will review and forward all applications received for the two open positions on the Coulee Croche Fire Protection District board. They will also decide whether to move forward with installing speed bumps on Dufilho Road.

The takeaway

This public works committee meeting demonstrates the important role local government plays in addressing community needs and improving infrastructure and quality of life for residents of Opelousas and St. Landry Parish. By working together, officials can make meaningful progress on issues like public safety, transportation, and broadband access.