2026-06-04 CPC Rural Development Committee

The Caddo Parish Commission's Rural Development Committee convened on June 4, 2026, to discuss water supply issues affecting rural and unincorporated areas, including the impact of a nearby data center expansion. The meeting featured a detailed presentation by Dr. Ward, who reviewed a 2013 comprehensive water study covering Caddo, Bossier, Webster, and DeSoto parishes. The study evaluated multiple options for securing sustainable water sources, including surface water from the Red River, Caddo Lake, and Toledo Bend, with cost estimates ranging from $50 million to over $230 million in 2013 dollars. The committee discussed the feasibility of developing a new 10 million gallon per day water treatment plant in South Caddo Parish, with a current estimated cost of $115 million and a projected timeline of approximately six years to begin construction after completing necessary studies and environmental clearances. Public-private partnerships (P3s) were mentioned as a potential financing mechanism. The meeting also addressed concerns about water infrastructure upgrades required by the data center, including repairs to reduce water loss in existing systems. Compensation and easement issues related to water line construction through private property were briefly discussed. No formal votes or contract awards were recorded during the meeting, but the discussion highlighted significant capital improvement planning and potential procurement activities related to water infrastructure development in the parish.