LAFAYETTE, La. () — Lafayette Consolidated Government is getting back some of the money withheld by the state for a planned flood control project, officials said.

LCG said it has received $6.1 million from the State of Louisiana, the first reimbursement of the $27 million being withheld for proper process and permitting issues on the Bayou Vermilion Flood Control project. This reimbursement covers work performed in 2022 on functional segments of the Homewood detention ponds and Coulee Ile De Cannes detention ponds.

Lafayette Mayor-President Monique B. Boulet said this marks a crucial first step toward addressing the financial and permitting requirements necessary to receive full reimbursement for work and move toward the completion of these projects.

Part of the project revolves around a battle between Lafayette and St. Martin parishes over removing spoil banks along the Vermilion River.

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LCG ended up losing a court battle over the project. A judge ruled LCG violated the law when it seized land along the Vermilion River in 2021.

For years, dirt levees called spoil banks lined the river, until LCG unilaterally removed them. The judge ruled that LCG did not have the permits required from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to do the work.

"My team has worked diligently to get the proper permits in place to receive full reimbursement and move this project to completion," Boulet said, in the release. "It needs to be an asset for Milton and for Lafayette Parish. We still have a lot of work to do but this is the first major success in moving forward and stabilizing the parish finances."

The State of Louisiana had withheld more than $27 million in reimbursements due to missing federal permits.

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Additional work is necessary to connect the detention ponds to Vermilion River. LCG has submitted applications for after-the-fact permits to the Corps of Engineers, which are required to proceed with and complete the Homewood and Coulee Ile De Cannes Detention Ponds. LCG is currently awaiting the USACE's response.

Boulet said LCG remains committed to working with the Corps of Engineers and the State to resolve outstanding issues, complete the projects, and ensure connectivity within the remaining funding available from the State.

Boulet said securing the remaining $21 million in reimbursements is essential for maintaining the financial health of the parish and ensuring the completion of the projects.