Now, they're looking to parish leaders for answers. Homeowners in St. Landry Parish say their government is not doing its job to keep flood waters from ravaging their homes. In Grand Coteau, homeowners are fed up with the flooding. They say that last Friday's flooding damage could have been prevented if ditches were cleaned out and canals were widened. They say the parish isn't protecting their homes and safety. Parish President Don Menard says it's a problem, but there may not be an immediate solution. Menard says there are some drainage issues that need to be tackled in the parish; some drainage districts do a wonderful job in providing drainage by cleaning canals and coolies, while some districts may not do so good a job because they don't have the revenue.St. Landry Parish is divided into 16 drainage districts that are funded by property taxes. Some districts bring in as much as $350,000 per year, while others bring in only $32,000 per year and it's the flood-prone areas that aren't getting the funds they need to de-clog the drains. Menard says there's not much they can do. He says there aren't any other parish funds available for that.Until the ditches and canals are cleaned up, residents say it is just a matter of time until their homes and cars are flooded again.Parish President Don Menard says he'd like to establish a single drainage district for the parish. A single district would allow the parish to direct funds to the areas that need it most. But, voters would have to approve the change and the earliest that could happen would be late next year. If you have flood damage from last week's storms, St. Landry Government is asking you report it. The number to call is 948-3688. Your calls will be used to help direct FEMA and state officials to the most water-damaged parts of the parish.
Those officials are expected to assess the entire parish to determine if victims would be eligible for state or federal help.