Legislators and officials held a post-session update in Tallulah on July 29 to discuss appropriations, legislative activity, and the ongoing water system crisis in the city.
The meeting included State Sen. Katrina Jackson, State Rep. Travis Johnson, and State Rep. Francis Thompson, along with local officials and representatives from Magnolia Water. Officials reviewed recent funding allocations and explained legislative actions taken during the 2025 session.
Jackson said local municipalities received targeted funding, including support for water systems, bridges, and roads. She noted recurring water system entries in the appropriations summary, explaining the complexity of addressing both infrastructure and staffing needs. She also highlighted Delta Economic Research and Sustainability District efforts, AI workforce training, and downtown development planning.
Johnson said more than $4 million in federal grants had been secured for the region through economic research programs. He also mentioned efforts to certify local workers to maintain upgraded water systems and prepare for emerging workforce demands. He said long-term regional economic planning was a focus of the delegation.
Thompson emphasized the importance of water access and pledged to continue supporting solutions. He commended Jackson and Johnson for securing funding and drawing attention to the local situation.
Jackson addressed a failed bill that initially sought to consolidate water systems. She said the final legislation did not include consolidation or new regulatory powers. She also explained efforts to preserve Medicaid funding and utility assistance despite federal rollbacks, citing an amendment by U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy that temporarily preserved Louisiana’s existing health care structure.
Several residents raised concerns about water billing, flushing, and ongoing brown water issues. Magnolia Water representatives responded that the water plant had been unable to fill the city’s water tower before their arrival. Since correcting that issue, they said, the tower now fills daily, allowing for regular flushing. They also said the system had suffered from decades of deferred maintenance and that parts of the distribution system still needed replacement.
Magnolia Water’s legal and operations representatives stated that the company had invested $1.5 million toward repairs and expected reimbursement from the state. The estimated total cost to restore the plant is $25 million, not including the distribution system. Officials said federal funding of $7.8 million had been received so far.
The governor declared a state of emergency earlier this year, allowing emergency contracting and funding for system triage. Officials said the emergency response was necessary due to the threat of total system failure.
Legislators encouraged residents to stay informed, attend council meetings, and advocate to federal representatives for continued support of health and utility programs.
