In 2018 a $0.01 sales tax overwhelmingly passed by 85%. Immediately improvements throughout the city started.
Duson Mayor Johnny Thibodeaux says by July nine miles of asphalt will be laid down.
Brad Sonnier, owner of The Rolling Pin, grew up with the gravel roads. Recently, his road was paved.
“[The asphalt] Keeps your cars clean, it’s a lot more presentable for guest. Before it was just gravel, which is real country,” Sonnier said.
About four miles of Duson roadways are gravel.
“After this, we will have zero gravel roads,” Thibodeaux said.
The tax isn’t costing residents all that much.
“The Duson people pay a small percent. It’s the people coming in to shop and buy gas at the truck stops,” Thibodeaux said.
When the project is finished, revenue from the tax will be used for future maintenance.
“It is strictly dedicated to road improvement. Can’t give it for salary. Can’t give it for whatever. Strictly road improvement,” Thibodeaux said.
Residents like Sonnier appreciate the improvements, even if it means more tax.
“Anything upgrading our road is an improvement. With better roads well get better businesses, better homes, more people In the community,” Sonnier said.
The $2.5 million project also adds 80 storm drains throughout the area.
