The administration announced at the Feb. 14 council meeting that Tesvich Enterprises. has been selected as the contractor to complete the temporary repairs needed to get
the Pointe-a-la-Hache ferry operational for light traffic.

Director of Public Works Byron Williams made the announcement on behalf of
Parish President Billy Nungesser, who was not in attendance. According to Williams,
the legally-required seven-day bid process ended Feb. 12. Local firm Tesvich Enterprises was selected. Williams said that since their selection, the contractor has ordered the 12 x 16 replacement beam needed to get the ferry landing out of what the state deems “critical” condition.

Once the beam is replaced, the ferry landing will be open to light traffic.

“This is coming from contractor himself, the beam has been ordered, and the contract has been signed but its going to take 2- 3 weeks to fabricate it,” Williams explained.
“Based on the information I have in front of me, it’s going to possibly be the middle of March to have everything done.”

The announcement was not favorable for everyone, specifically since it was said
at the January 24 meeting that the necessary beam has already been ordered.

“How many more lies are we going to hear about this ferry? Last meeting it was said
that the beam was ordered. Councilman Griffin said last week in The Gazette, that he
thought it would be open by the third week in February,” said Eastbank resident Michael Rodriguez. “If the contractor can’t order the equipment needed, hire someone
who can.”

Now that a contractor for the temporary solution has been hired, the council and
administration must still decide on what the future holds for the ferry landing. Councilchair Byron Marinovich said that the governing bodies are definitely looking
at a long-term solution for the ferry landing.

Rev. Tyronne Edwards, currently spearheading a citizens committee to look at
all options for the future of the ferry in a non-partisan forum, said that he was pleased
the parish is not losing sight of the long-term.

“Now that the temporary is underway, it’s exciting that we’re looking past that and
starting to focus on the long term,” said Edwards.