2024-0297
INTRODUCED BY: LA SANDRA D. WILSON, COUNCILWOMAN, DISTRICT I
HOLLY FONSECA, COUNCILWOMAN-AT-LARGE, DIVISION B
HEATHER SKIBA, COUNCILWOMAN, DISTRICT II
WALTER PILIÈ, COUNCILMAN, DISTRICT III
MICHELLE O’DANIELS, COUNCILWOMAN, DISTRICT V
BOB FISHER, COUNCILMAN, DISTRICT VI
MICHELE DEBRULER, COUNCILWOMAN, DISTRICT VII
RESOLUTION NO. __________
Title
A resolution requesting the Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development (DOTD) install climb deterrent barriers on the Hale Boggs Memorial Bridge.
Body
WHEREAS, the Hale Boggs Memorial Bridge links the east and west banks of St. Charles Parish across the Mississippi River carrying more than 48,000 travelers daily; and,
WHEREAS, the Hale Boggs Memorial Bridge is a publicly accessible area of significant height which poses a risk for suicide attempts; and,
WHEREAS, physical barriers are one of the most effective means of preventing suicides on bridges and other high structures; and,
WHEREAS, safety measures such as physical barriers on the Hale Boggs Memorial Bridge would give pause to those contemplating jumping from the bridge; and,
WHEREAS, a review of the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office statistics shows from 2020 to 2024, there have been 3 suicide deaths as a result of jumping from the Hale Boggs Memorial Bridge; and,
WHEREAS, the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office statistics further show from 2020 to 2024 there have been 4 attempted suicides on the Hale Boggs Memorial Bridge; and,
WHEREAS, some deaths may not be included in the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office statistics due to bodies unable to be located, recovered in a different Parish or are classified as drownings; however, regardless of the recorded statistics, it is time to take a look at the human element of the matter and do something.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT WE, THE MEMBERS OF THE ST. CHARLES PARISH COUNCIL AND THE PARISH PRESIDENT, do hereby request the Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development (DOTD) install climb deterrent barriers on the Hale Boggs Memorial Bridge.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development Secretary Terrence (Joe) Donahue, Jr., and District 2 Engineer Administrator Scott Boyle, P.E.; State Senator Gregory A. Miller and; State Representatives Beth Billings and Sylvia Taylor.
The foregoing resolution having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:
And the resolution was declared adopted this ______ day of __________, 2024, to become effective five (5) days after publication in the Official Journal.
CHAIRMAN:
SECRETARY:
DLVD/PARISH PRESIDENT:
APPROVED: DISAPPROVED:
PARISH PRESIDENT:
RETD/SECRETARY:
AT: RECD BY: