ERATH — Construction is underway to run water and sewage along Highway 14 in Erath for future business development.
The project is being funded by the Twin Parish Port Commission.
"When you talk about local communities, small communities, we don't have much development here," said Erath Mayor Taylor Mencacci. "(The project) brings jobs. It keeps people local."
First, the Pediatric Group of Acadiana and Family Clinic is getting a new facility.
The space, which is located right next door, will open early next year.
Pediatrician Lori Toups says they've been at the current facility for almost four years and they've always had expansion in mind.
"We can get pretty crowed. Our waiting area is not very big right now, so we regularly fill it up," said Dr. Toups. "We're looking forward to bigger spaces."
The new facility will have nine examination rooms whereas the current facility only has three.
"We'll be able to see a lot more patients, which will hopefully eliminate the need to go into other urgent care centers or ER facilities where they may not get the continuity of care."
The mayor says the new clinic is just the start of the project.
In the future, they're hoping to create a shopping center that will house seafood distributor Vermilion Bay Sweet.
"It's awesome to have these resources in Erath for people not to travel out, and it's super convenient for them," says Mencacci.
