For Immediate Release, Friday, September 30, 2005
Contact:  Suzanne Parsons Stymiest @ 985-898-5243

Statement by Parish President Kevin Davis

Re:  Traffic & School Reopening

On Monday, October 3^rd, the St. Tammany Parish Public Schools will reopen.  School buses cross the parish from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM.  If at all possible, plan your trips for after 9:00 in the morning.  This will reduce congestion and allow the buses to get our students to their schools on time.

Since St. Tammany Parish was reopened following Hurricane Katrina, I have watched our population swell.  Before the storm, our population was approximately 216,000.  Today, I estimate our population at about 300,000 citizens as families have taken in friends and relatives from across the region.  This is creating traffic congestion across the parish.

I am working with our engineering department to find solutions to some of the traffic issues that have arisen as a result of Hurricane Katrina and hope to have some solutions in the coming weeks.  Until then, I ask for everyone to continue to be patient on the roads and considerate of school buses.

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