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Vernon Parish - Priority Issues

Economic and Workforce Development

Attract new and diversified businesses, both large and small. Attract more family oriented restaurants, not just fast food.
Attract better paying jobs that will encourage people to want to live here.
Revitalize downtown Leesville.
Expand the existing industrial park.
Attract new and diversified businesses, both large and small. Attract more family oriented restaurants, not just fast food.

Preserve, protect, and properly develop Toledo, Vernon and Anacoco Lakes, along with adjacent parks.
Preserve, maintain and protect forests. Provide funding for replanting and debris cleanup, as well as for forest fire protection.
Protect the wildlife.

Establish a well organized and carefully planned emergency preparedness plan that also addresses community/social service programs.
A multi-purpose community center is needed to provide adequate evacuee shelter, additionally it would provide a place for young people and seniors to utilize, and an alternate meeting location to the Parish Fairgrounds facilities.
Provide a vocational school to provide training for skilled labor. Existing schools also require improvement and modernization.
The health care system needs improvement with the addition of more specialized medical professionals in the area.

Improvements are required to all public utilities. Power lines should be placed underground, water and lift stations should have emergency generator backups.
Evacuation routes need to be modernized, widened, and better managed. Designated service stations should be required to have emergency backup generators.
Road improvements are needed to many of the roads in Vernon Parish, specifically Highways 171, 28, and 8.
A plan to alleviate traffic congestion on Highway 171 is required. Potential solutions include a by-pass, and/or additional local roads that parallel Highway 171.
Provide new and affordable housing options, including multi-family, patio homes, condominiums, and single family homes throughout the Parish.
Leesville Airport needs to be improved and upgraded in order to attract additional businesses to the area and assist in emergency transportation needs during a disaster.
Additional capacity is needed to many of the communities throughout Vernon Parish for water and sewer systems.

Existing housing facilities require renovation and/or remodeling to comply with current codes and standards.
Establish a zoning and land use planning commission to control growth, manage development plans and ensure they are consistent with the Parish’s vision. Adopt building codes and inspection procedures to ensure proper construction practices are met.