If you are traveling east on Interstate 10 this weekend and crossing the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge, be prepared for some roadwork. The Department of Transportation will close the eastbound inside lane at seven o’clock tonight until noon on Sunday. The westbound inside lane will also be closed for about 12 hours starting tonight at 9:30. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says they are trying to get the word out for the thousands travelers who will use the bridge this weekend.
A new jet airplane interior modification plant is coming to Chennault International Airport in Lake Charles. Citadel Completions announced the company will make a nearly 180-million dollar investment in a plant that will customize Jet airplanes of any size. Don Pierson is the Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development. The average salary will be around 80 thousand dollars a year. Citadel is already hiring as they plan to employ 250 workers.
The governor has called for a special session next week to replace expiring sales tax revenues at the heart of the budget struggle. Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry says Republicans are potentially open to revenue proposals, but they’re back from the voters over the weekend.
The Louisiana Department of Child and Family Services kicked off a new Foster Parent Recruitment Campaign as part of Foster Care Month, an annual push to increase awareness of the importance of the foster care system. Child Welfare Manager Christy Tate says the campaign is built around a message of teamwork. Tate says foster parents aren’t just crucial to DCFS and the children in the system, but to parents who are trying to get back on their feet and reunite with their family.
Those interested in volunteering can visit DCFC’s website for more information on foster care opportunities.