OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) — Leading up to the special election for the $0.01 sales tax renewal. One of the biggest comments from Opelousas residents has been the renovation of Donald Gardner Stadium. More specifically, why the stadium was funded when it could have been used for road and infrastructure repairs.

While the city did provide $500,000 specifically for the stadium, News 10 has learned that part of the project was funded by parish government and state funds. Bill Rodier with St. Landry Economic Development also says most of the funding for the stadium was provided by the Opelousas Downtown Development District, which is not a government entity.  

“Downtown Development District is not a local government. It was actually established through state legislatures and they have specific prescriptions on what they can spend money for, and they were created to help stimulate economic development,” said Rodier. “The upgrade to the stadium project are going to bring a lot of people to this area that would otherwise come to this area. And the reason I mention that is because that’s economic development. It’s bringing new money into this area.”

Rodier goes on to say the Downtown Development District does not have the ability to supplement funding for fundamental services in the city

“ODDD can’t cross that line. It would be illegal for them to cross that line.” said Rodier. 

Along with clarification for the funding of the stadium. Rodier also said there is a risk for the potential economic growth of Opelousas if this sales tax doesn’t pass.

“The other thing is the perception if Opelousas isn’t willing to reinvest in itself, it creates kind of a negative perception, and negative perception disincentivizes investment. The more negative perception you have about an area, the less likely both people from within and from the outside are to invest in that area,” said Rodier.

The special election will be held in Opelousas on Aug. 16.

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