Ascension Parish Council - October 1, 2026

The Ascension Parish Council meeting on October 1, 2026, approved a cooperative endeavor agreement with the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction to facilitate a new contract for completion of the Energy Transition Parkway Phase 2 and 2A project. Parish staff said the previous contractor defaulted and was terminated; completion was then estimated for March or April 2027, subject to permits and weather. In response to a council question, staff said the contractor change was not expected to increase project cost. The council also approved an ordinance declaring miscellaneous movable equipment surplus and authorizing its sale or transfer. An ordinance was introduced to acquire 13.517 acres for drainage and flood prevention for $510,000 plus closing costs; it was not presented as an approval at this meeting.

The council heard substantial public opposition to proposed rules for high-impact development facilities, including data centers, and to a related zoning-table amendment. Concerns raised included setbacks from homes and schools, noise, water and electricity use, infrastructure, and public notice. A motion to postpone the development-standards ordinance to the October 15 meeting passed without objection; the related zoning amendment was also being considered for postponement, but the transcript cuts off before its disposition. No data-center project or vendor contract was awarded.