According to a KTBS article,  pet projects from Louisiana lawmakers add up to millions in the annual budget that’s pending action from Gov. John Bel Edwards.

According to a report Friday in Biz Magazine, the pet projects statewide total more than $100 million. Of that, only about $5.3 million is included for northwest Louisiana parishes.  Of the $5.3 million, Bienville Parish would receive $100,000.

The Biz Magazine, citing the Louisiana Illuminator, states the money isn’t spread around the state evenly. Communities slated to receive the most pet project funding are home to lawmakers who have the most control over the budget process. The Louisiana Illuminator singled out the amounts the northwest Louisiana parishes are set to receive if they survive the governor’s review. Further analysis breaks down the amounts, which include:

Bienville – 1 project, $100,000

• Bienville Police Jury – repairs and improvement of parish roads, $100,000

Bossier: 7 projects totaling $975,000

• Bossier Police Jury – and water lines for a sawmill, $300,000
• Town of Plain Dealing – sewer and water supply for a lumber mill, $300,000
• Bossier City – street improvements on Benton Road at Interstate 220, $75,000
• Bossier City – street improvements on Hamilton Road, $75,000
• Bossier Police Jury – South Bossier Park, $75,000
• Town of Benton – street repairs, $75,000
• Town of Plain Dealing – street and bridge repairs and improvements, $75,000

Caddo: 13 projects totaling $2.2 million

• Northwest Louisiana Youth Golf and Education Foundation – improvements at the Jerry Tim Brooks Golf Course, $594,500
• Feeding Louisiana ($2.5 million across 5 parishes), $500,000
• Shreveport-Bossier Commission – 2022 FIVB Volleyball National League Women’s Preliminary Round event, $300,000
• Town of Greenwood – park improvements, $200,000
• American Rose Society – lighting, $100,000
• Town of Blanchard, $100,000
• Town of Vivian, $100,000
• Caddo Sheriff’s Office and Friends of Safety Town – equipment, $50,000
• City of Shreveport – Southern Hills Business Association dog park, $50,000
• Town of Oil City, $50,000
• Village of Ida, $50,000
• Village of Mooringsport, $50,000
• Village of Rodessa, $50,000

Claiborne – 1 project, $300,000

• Claiborne Police Jury – emergency road repairs, $300,000

DeSoto – 9 projects totaling $1.1 million

• DeSoto Police Jury – truck investory scales and upgrades to parish facilities, $400,000
• DeSoto EMS – new ambulance, $300,000
• Town of Logansport – downtown canopies, $125,000
• Town of Stonewall – playground equipment, $75,000
• Logansport Chamber of Commerce – new building, $50,000
• Town of Logansport – downtown renovations, $50,000
• Village of Grand Cane – improvements to historical district $50,000
• Village of Grand Cane – patio improvements, $40,000
• DeSoto Parish Bible Charity School Society – building repairs, $10,000

Natchitoches – 3 projects totaling $400,000

• Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, $250,000
• City of Natchitoches – Big Brothers Big Sisters, $75,000
• Northwest Louisiana Game and Fish Commission ($150,000 across 2 parishes), $75,000

Red River – 1 project totaling $75,000

• Northwest Louisiana Game and Fish Commission ($150,000 across 2 parishes), $75,000

Sabine – 3 projects totaling $525,000

• Town of Many fire station, $300,000
• Sabine Police Jury – recreation site improvements, $200,000
• Zwolle Historical Museum, $25,000

Webster – 1 project totaling $100,000

• City of Minden – improvements to Victory Park, $100,000

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