Groundbreaking for Downtown Revitalization Groundbreaking for the first phase of the Downtown Revitalization project will occur on Thursday, July 9, 2009 at 10:00 am. Construction will begin on Monday, July 6, 2009, along Park Avenue, then will continue north on Vienna Street to Alabama Avenue and is estimated to last about six months.
Along with the power lines going underground, new sidewalks, waterlines, and curbs will be replaced with a uniform appearance. Some of the street parking will be removed temporarily for this process to take place, but will be restored to assist with the consistent leveling of the curbs throughout downtown. Brick pavers will also be included in the new sidewalks accompanying the added benches, street lights, street planters, and hanging planters, to create a clean, nice, pedestrian-friendly area that will enhance the overall feel of Ruston’s historic downtown. Lewis Love, Director of Public Works for the City of Ruston, stated that the city will coordinate with the businesses downtown to accommodate their needs while construction is taking place.
Stuart Clason, Economic Development Administrator for the City of Ruston states, “It is important to remember that while the construction might create some short-term inconveniences, the outcome of this project will be a beautifully designed historic downtown. It will be inviting to pedestrian shoppers, upper story residents, and new investors alike.”
Mayor Dan Hollingsworth states, “This is an exciting project that falls directly in line with the long term goals of Ruston 21. It will provide the infrastructure necessary for the private development of our city’s community core.”
The project is being funded through a combination of federal dollars from the Delta Regional Authority (DRA), state dollars from the Louisiana Department of Transportation (LaDOTD), and local dollars from the City of Ruston. The state funds provided by LaDOTD account for the majority of the project.
Local engineering firm Hunt, Guillot, & Associates (HGA), provided the engineering design for the project and will serve as project manager and coordinators.
CW&W Contractors, Sibley, La., is the project contractor. CW&W has recently completed a similar project in Minden, Louisiana.
Ruston 21 To cultivate growth and preserve those things we love about our city, change those things we need to change, and embrace new ideas to improve our quality of life we are engaged in Ruston 21, our city’s uniquely tailored community planning process to address our needs and aspirations. This effort involves citizens from throughout the community, as well as experts in the field, working together to build consensus in creating a roadmap for planned growth. Please follow this link for more information. The Squire Creek Louisiana Peach Festival is a family-oriented event held annually the fourth weekend in June in downtown Ruston. Events include arts and crafts; food; music; parade; antique car show; 5K run; cookery contest; tennis, golf, and fishing tournaments; rodeo, pet show; antique car show; kids’ events; fine-arts show; peach-eating contest, and more. Some events free; others, admission applies. The festival began in 1950, and celebrates the peach industry in north central Louisiana. The festival is longest-running agriculture festival in Louisiana, and is produced by the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. For more information please visit the Louisiana Peach Festival's website. |
