News

Tue Oct 3

PRESIDENT COOPER ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL 2023 WASTE DROP-OFF DAY

Be the first to comment!

ST. TAMMANY, La. - President Mike Cooper has announced an additional 2023 Waste Collection Day will be held on October 28, 2023 at the Oak Harbor Park and Ride in Slidell. Participants must pre-register to drop off waste as the event is limited to the first 200 registrants.

“Household waste drop-off days are incredibly important for many families in St. Tammany Parish,” said President Cooper. “I am proud of our team, who worked hard to provide another drop-off day this year. I encourage all of our citizens to reserve their time slot and start gathering your household waste for us to dispose.”

The October 28 event will be held from 8:00 a.m. – Noon at the Oak Harbor Park -n- Ride Facility located at 98 Harbor Center Boulevard in Slidell. To register your time, please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0848A9AA22A3FCC70-44402627-waste

The following items will be collected:

•Tires (no more than 4). No rims on tires.
•Batteries
•Glass
•Computers / Electronics / Televisions / Monitors
•Documents to be shredded on-site (limited to 3 copy paper-sized boxes).

No paint, liquid wastes or appliances will be accepted. Pre-registration is required to drop-off waste.

Thu Sep 28

President Cooper’s Proposed 2024 Budget, Featuring Record Infrastructure Investment, Introduced by Council

Be the first to comment!

Cooper Administration's Infrastructure Improvements to Move Forward with Northshore Lawmakers Efforts

Parish President Mike Cooper’s proposed 2024 budget, which includes a third consecutive record infrastructure investment totaling $57 million, was introduced by the Parish Council Wednesday evening.

“This proposed budget further renews my administration’s commitment to addressing our citizens’ top concerns of infrastructure and drainage, while putting measures in place to require smarter growth,” said President Cooper. “I want to personally acknowledge our staff, Team Tammany, who have worked with officials, community stakeholders and citizens to identify needs and prepare a budget that reflect their values.”

Some of the projects include the assessment of proposed new roads across our Parish, necessary repairs to the Tammany Trace, new stormwater detention ponds to support our existing drainage systems, projects which will improve our water systems, coastal protection and restoration measures, as well as many additional, long-overdue improvements so that St. Tammany Parish remains the top place to live, work and play in Louisiana.

In addition to more than $16 million being allocated to the 14 Council districts, some of the proposed projects include the following:

    •Roadway improvements:
-Helenbirg Road in Covington
-Dixie Ranch Road in Slidell
-Jim Parker Road in Pearl River
    •Drainage projects for construction:
-Ozone Woods in Lacombe
-Spanish Trail Heights in Slidell
            -Pruden Creek in Covington
            -Rosedown Way in Mandeville
    •Bridges to be replaced:
            -Rousseau Road Bridge in Covington
            -Middle Pearl Drive Bridge in Slidell
            -Chris Kennedy Road Bridge in Pearl River
            -Smith Road Bridge in Covington

“I appreciate the Council’s partnership in identifying roadways that will impact citizens daily. As I have said from the beginning and reflected through our daily work, we must move away from a segmented approach and move forward as one Parish and implement projects and plans that benefit everyone.”

The budget was introduced by the Parish Council at its Special Meeting on Wednesday, September 27, 2023. Public hearing will be held at a later date, prior to adoption later this year.

To view the proposed budget, click here.

Tue Sep 12

President Cooper Reaffirms the St. Tammany Parish Fishing Pier Will Be Rebuilt

Be the first to comment!

The St. Tammany Parish Fishing Pier in Slidell will be rebuilt, President Mike Cooper reaffirms.

The Pier was destroyed by Hurricane Ida days before it was scheduled to re-open after an expansion project. Since then, St. Tammany Parish Government has been working with FEMA to not only rebuild the pier, but make it stronger.

If we were to only replace the Pier as it was, it would leave the structure vulnerable for future storms to ravage the Pier again and again. Instead, we proposed building a stronger, more sustainable facility utilizing structural concrete, for which we are still awaiting final approval from FEMA.

While approval is pending, we have been designing the stronger Pier so we will be ready to begin as soon as we gain approval. We have called FEMA weekly to push along the process. This is a $3 million project, so it is imperative that we await federal funding. The project includes the Pier, restrooms, parking and more.

While the process is ongoing, St. Tammany Parish Government is designing coastal protection for the area, which includes a breakwater, as well as a boat ramp, additional parking, dredging of the cove and more.

“Let me be totally clear. We will rebuild the Fishing Pier in Slidell, but it must be more sustainable,” said President Cooper. “Our intentions are to revitalize this Pier for citizens to enjoy, without fear of damage from future hurricanes. Resiliency has been a driving factor in my administration, whether it is infrastructure, development, or the St. Tammany Parish Fishing Pier.”

We are hopeful to begin construction in 2024 with completion in 2025.

Thu Aug 31

President Cooper Announces Recipients of 17th Annual President's Arts Awards

Be the first to comment!

President Mike Cooper is pleased to announce the recipients of the 17^th Annual President’s Arts Awards presented by the St. Tammany Commission on Cultural Affairs.

“These artists are instrumental in making our Parish vibrant, enjoyable and the place that we proudly call home,” said President Cooper. “I am delighted to honor the artists who have displayed their talents and contributed to our Parish’s culture. I also appreciate the Commission, who are dedicated to celebrating our native artists. Congratulations to all of our talented artists, and thank you for your incredible work and service to St. Tammany!”

The honorees are:

Performing Artist – Lydia Gazzo

Visual Artist – Paulo Dufour

Literary Artist – Carroll Devine

Musical Artist – Dr. William Horne

Culinary Artist – Keith Young

Patron of the Arts – Frank Richerand

Outstanding Service Award – Cindy Pulling

President’s Award – Friends of the Dew Drop

Native Son Award – Brian Edwards

Lifetime Achievement Award – John Snell

The celebration will be held at Northshore Technical Community College in Lacombe on Thursday, October 12, 2023 from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

“The Commission, along with the help of St. Tammany Parish Government, is excited to host this annual event. It is a collaboration of local talent on display, along with our finest talents being celebrated, which culminates in an inspirational evening,” said Commission of Cultural Arts Chair, Laura Prisco. “We are lucky to live in a parish where the arts are supported, encouraged, and flourish.”

To find more information about the Presidents Arts Awards and the Commission on Cultural Affairs, visit www.stpgov.org/cca

The St. Tammany President’s Arts Awards is held annually to recognize outstanding artists in St. Tammany Parish. The recipients are selected in 10 categories by the Parish President and the Commission on Cultural Affairs. It is supported in part by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Mon Aug 28

President Mike Cooper Announces Dredging of Pearl River Navigational Canal

Be the first to comment!

Parish President Mike Cooper is proud to announce St. Tammany Parish Government will dredge the Pearl River Navigational Canal near the West Pearl River, following permitting approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

“Today marks a long overdue and fantastic day for our boaters, fisherman and hunters on the beautiful West Pearl River,” said President Cooper. “For years, our citizens had limited access to the West Pearl River from Lock #1 due to the buildup of sediment along the canal. I want to thank our consultants who helped us gain the permits, our staff, Team Tammany, who helped push the project forward, and our Parish Council and all stakeholders who helped advance this critical project.”

The Department of Public Works started clearing the canal to provide temporary relief to the mouth of the Pearl River Navigational Canal. Contractors are finalizing plans to begin the long term $2.2 million project, which includes dredging and stabilization of the banks to limit the buildup of sediment. This initiative not only opens up access to the West Pearl River, but also makes it safer for our boaters.

“I want to thank St. Tammany Parish Government for its work in getting approval for this section of the Pearl River Canal to be dredged,” Sheriff Randy Smith said. “Our Marine Unit has been limited to utilizing only small flat boats due to the shallow waters in that portion of the river. The sometimes-extreme shallowness of that area often leaves less than a foot of water, requiring our boat operators to run on plane while navigating dangerously close under low lying trees and branches when responding to search and rescue missions on that part of the West Pearl River. Having that area dredged will allow the Sheriff’s Office to have more resources available to respond to those citizens who are in need and in a much faster manner.”

In the coming weeks, boaters will also be able to launch from the North Lock #1 boat launch thanks to funding from the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA). The effort is part of St. Tammany Parish’s 16 ongoing GOMESA projects which will provide recreational opportunities, coastal protection and increased resiliency for our Parish’s coastline.

“This project was started by my husband several years ago with a study on how to clear the Pearl River,” said Councilwoman Cheryl Tanner. “I appreciate everything that President Cooper’s staff has done for this project. This is a great day!”

For photos and video of the dredging, please click here.

Wed Aug 16

President Cooper Launches STAT: St. Tammany Parish’s New Alert System

Be the first to comment!

Parish President Mike Cooper has enhanced St. Tammany Parish’s emergency preparedness efforts with the launch of STAT (St. Tammany Alert Telecommunications), a new alert system for emergencies, severe weather alerts, hurricane evacuation notices, boil water advisories, road closures and more.

“In times of crises, accurate information is incredibly important,” said Cooper. “STAT allows us to send targeted notifications directly to our citizens through texts, calls and emails. St. Tammany Parish is better prepared for emergency situations because of our efforts and this technology.”

STAT has the capability to notify affected residents for possible “threat to life” level alerts, such as immediate severe weather warnings and even boil water advisories, regardless of sign-up status. However, residents may select and set individual desired alerts, such as hurricane, severe weather and flooding watches, road closures, as well as other options. Residents can also select their preferred means of communication – phone call, email or text. St. Tammany Parish residents should visit www.stpgov.org/STAT or download the Everbridge app. To sign up, first select “Enroll” from the side menu. Then, use the search bar to enter your ZIP Code. You will then select St. Tammany Alert Telecommunications (STAT) and create your account.

STAT replaces Alert!St.Tammany. Citizens need to enroll in STAT if they would like to receive and customize their emergency notifications. This does not apply to Emergency Alert System notifications that are sent to phones and televisions.

Thu Aug 3

President Cooper Issues a Parishwide Burn Ban

Be the first to comment!

Parish President Mike Cooper has issued a burn ban in St. Tammany Parish for two weeks, due to extreme heat and severe lack of rainfall that has created significant fire potential.

“This is an effort to protect property and the health of our citizens,” said President Cooper. “After consulting with our meteorologists and fire safety experts, this burn ban is absolutely necessary as conditions are approaching record highs for fire potential. I appreciate our first responders, who have unanimously supported this initiative, and who are working tirelessly through this stifling heat.”

We have only experienced similar conditions twice in the last 23 years (2000 and 2015). The extreme dry conditions mixed with record high heat has produced above normal significant fire potential for the month of August. This risk could possibly extend to October if we do not return to adequate rain fall and lower temperatures.

“We have conditions similar to those areas in the west that have severe fire threats,” said Emergency Operations and Homeland Security Director, Clint Ory. “Until the heat is reduced and substantial rainfall occurs, we have a high risk of fire.”

The burn ban will be reassessed in two weeks.

Tue Aug 1

Unified Development Code Rewrite & St. Tammany Parish Multi-Modal Transportation Plan Open House Meetings Will Be Held August 9 & 10

Be the first to comment!

We want your feedback! Parish President Mike Cooper invites all citizens to open house meetings for the Unified Development Code Rewrite and the St. Tammany Parish Multi-Modal Transportation Plan.

"These plans are at the heart of my administration's efforts to build a better and more sustainable future for St. Tammany," said President Cooper. “Both plans seek to correct the concerns regarding development and traffic congestion that have long plagued our communities. Your feedback is vital to helping us provide a better tomorrow for St. Tammany Parish.”

The first session will be held Wednesday, August 9 from 5:30 - 7 p.m. in the Parish Council Chambers on Koop Drive in Mandeville.

The second session will be held Thursday, August 10 from 5:30 - 7 p.m. in the Towers Administration Building on Old Spanish Trail in Slidell.

If you cannot attend next week, we still want your feedback. To comment on the Unified Development Code Rewrite, please visit http://www.stpgov.org/Planning-DCR. For more information on the Multi-Modal Transportation Plan, please e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Thu Jul 27

Cooper Administration's Infrastructure Improvements to Move Forward with Northshore Lawmakers Efforts

Be the first to comment!

President Mike Cooper commends St. Tammany Parish’s legislators for securing more than $170 million of state funding for infrastructure enhancements and other projects to improve our communities. President Cooper and his administration identified needs and presented them to the legislative delegation for funding opportunities.

“Obtaining state and federal tax dollars is a critical part of providing more efficient and dependable infrastructure in our Parish,” said Cooper. “My administration has been working diligently to analyze the infrastructure needs of St. Tammany and plan improvements accordingly. I am incredibly thankful for our partnership with our lawmakers, who brought our citizens tax dollars back to our communities.”

The state Bond Commission is expected to approve legislative allocations. Some of the projects included are:

Harrison Avenue Widening - $13.3 million
Ben Thomas Improvements in Slidell area - $3.7 million
LA 1077 Widening - $20 million
Emerald Forest Blvd. Extension to LA 59 - $13 million
South Slidell Levee Protection Rehabilitation - $9.8 million
Sharp Road Improvements - $6.1 million

“My administration is excited to push these projects forward and provide a better today and tomorrow for the citizens of St. Tammany Parish.”

President Cooper thanked the entire Northshore delegation, including state Sen. Patrick McMath, state Sen. Sharon Hewitt, state Sen. Beth Mizell, state Rep. Mark Wright, state Rep. Mary DuBuisson and state Rep. Bob Owen, for their efforts to secure funding and assistance for our communities.

Wed Jul 5

President Cooper Proclaims Brayden Jobert Day in St. Tammany Parish

Be the first to comment!

President Mike Cooper has proclaimed today, July 5th as “Brayden Jobert Day” in St. Tammany Parish to honor the Slidell native and 2023 College World Series Champion for his dedication, passion and hard work, both on and off the baseball field.

“It was an honor to witness the integrity, perseverance, and outstanding sportsmanship that Brayden Jobert has exemplified throughout his career, culminating with a National Championship in Omaha,” said President Cooper. “He has brought great pride to our community and will serve as a role model to future generations of athletes for years to come.”

From a young age, Brayden nurtured his love of baseball on the recreational fields of Slidell, where he grew up playing at Slidell Bantam Baseball Association (SBBA) before going on to play for Northshore High School. After graduating, Brayden played for both Nicholls State and Delgado Community College, where he earned JUCO All-America honors.

Brayden then joined the Louisiana State University (LSU) baseball team, playing 59 games in the 2022 season and receiving numerous honors and recognitions for his spectacular plays both at bat and in the field. During the 2023 season, Brayden batted .301, while hitting 14 home runs and driving in 49 runs, playing an important role during LSU’s dominant season.

Most recently, Brayden’s lifelong dream of competing for LSU in the Men’s College World Series was fulfilled with the LSU Tigers defeating the Florida Gators 18-4. Brayden led the team with four hits, including a home run in the 9th inning, and three RBIs to win the National Championship.

“Brayden’s fortitude, athleticism and passion has made us all so proud. He is a Champion on and off the field. We know his talents and determination will carry him far in life, but St. Tammany will always be his home.”

More...

Mon Jun 26

St. Tammany Parish Government Honored as a Top Workplace, President Cooper Announces

Be the first to comment!

President Mike Cooper announces St. Tammany Parish Government has been named a Top Workplace by The Times-Picayune and the New Orleans Advocate for the first time.

“This award is a direct testament to the hard work, passion, commitment and desire of our employees to make St. Tammany Parish a better place to live and work,” said President Cooper. “Most of our employees live in the same communities in which they work. This provides them with a great source of pride. Congratulations to each of our employees, Team Tammany, for this incredible honor!”

Out of hundreds of submissions, St. Tammany Parish Government was one of 80 organizations in the New Orleans metropolitan area that received the award and was one of 8 organizations honored in the “Large Business” category. Earlier this year, employees participated in a survey regarding working for St. Tammany Parish Government, and the answers were measured in 15 different categories.

“Our employees’ responses are what earned this incredible recognition. Under my administration, we have prioritized a work-life balance and supported our employees and teammates as people – not just their title or position. We believe that St. Tammany Parish Government is a great place to work, and this recognition validates that as fact."

The confidential survey was conducted by Energage, a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces.

Mon Jun 12

President Cooper Opposes Use of Tax Dollars to Conduct Investigation

Be the first to comment!

President Mike Cooper opposes the use of tax dollars to fund the Parish Council’s “investigation” into his administration.

“To date, the Parish Council cannot provide one law, ordinance or regulation that I or any of our 500 employees may have violated, yet they want to use our citizens’ tax dollars to foot the bill for their political aspirations,” said Cooper. “In fact, less than two weeks ago at a public meeting, many of the councilmembers admitted that they do not think anything was done improperly by the employees or the administration. So, what exactly are they investigating?”

The Parish Council voted unanimously 13-0 (with one absent) at its Special Meeting on Monday, June 12 at 5 p.m., to hire outside counsel regarding the review and processing of a proposed development’s plans.

In 2018, the Louisiana Supreme Court decided that the District Attorney’s Office is obligated to represent St. Tammany Parish Government. “The District Attorney’s Office has provided St. Tammany Parish Government with excellent representation, and they have offered a solid plan to the Council to conduct this investigation without a conflict of interest.”

“The Parish Council may use their designated Assistant District Attorney or pay for outside counsel, but I will not participate in the use of public funds for an unfounded investigation that is merely being conducted for political show. There are better ways to use our time and the taxpayers’ money.”

“Since taking office in January 2020, I have worked tirelessly every day with my administration to improve our community, but the Parish Council continues to stand in our way by defunding major infrastructure investments, demoralizing our employees and now, by questioning our integrity. The citizens of St. Tammany Parish deserve better.”

Fri May 12

St. Tammany and St. Bernard Art Grant Program is Accepting Applications

Be the first to comment!

The Louisiana Project Grant Program (LGP) is offering grants for art projects in St. Bernard and St. Tammany parishes, and is accepting applications through June 30, 2023.

The Louisiana Region 9 Arts Council, which administers the program for St. Bernard and St. Tammany parishes, will conduct an informational workshop explaining the program guidelines and how to complete application forms.

The St. Tammany Parish workshop will be held at 6 pm on Thursday, June 8, in the St. Tammany Parish Government conference room Building B, 21410 Koop Drive, Mandeville LA 70471.

The St. Bernard Parish workshop will be held at11:30 am on Thursday, June 8, in the St. Bernard Parish Government Complex, Council Chambers Conference Room, 8201 W. Judge Perez Drive Chalmette, LA 70043 (east side of complex, enter through side door entrance).

Reservations can be made by calling (985) 809-6418 or sending an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Questions about the workshops may be directed to the Region 9 Arts Council at (985) 809-6418.

The 2023-24 Louisiana Project Grants Arts Funding program provides grants to artists, nonprofit organizations, community groups and local government agencies to assist with art projects that meet local needs. All projects must occur between Oct. 1, 2023, and Sept. 30, 2024 and applicants may apply for only one grant.

To learn more about grant guidelines and eligibility, visit www.stpgov.org/residents/arts-grants.

Tue May 9

Keep Louisiana Beautiful Awards St. Tammany Parish New Trash Receptacles

Be the first to comment!

Parish President Mike Cooper is pleased to announce that St. Tammany Parish Government has been selected as one of the 98 recipients of the 2023 Keep Louisiana Beautiful trash receptacle grant program.

St. Tammany Parish Government will install six trash receptacles along the Tammany Trace, two at the St. Tammany Parish Fairgrounds and two at Northshore Beach.

Through the 2023 trash receptacle grant program, Keep Louisiana Beautiful distributed 879 receptacles to 98 organizations in 40 Louisiana parishes.

St. Tammany Parish Government will also perform a post-installation litter scan and compare the data collected to preliminary scan results. Data will be shared with the public once available.

“Our beautiful and scenic outdoors are a huge contributor to our quality of life in St. Tammany Parish,” says President Mike Cooper. “With these new receptacles installed, we will be able to help maintain it, by reducing litter and keeping our community clean.”

“Recent data collected by Keep Louisiana Beautiful shows a reduction of litter by 56 percent in areas where trash receptacles are properly installed and maintained,” says Susan Russell, KLB Executive Director. “One of our organization’s key initiatives is to help build infrastructure that supports clean, beautiful communities. Funding trash receptacles is one way we do that. Congratulations to St. Tammany Parish Government for being selected as a 2023 grant recipient.”

To learn more about Keep Louisiana Beautiful’s grant opportunities, visit www.keeplouisianabeautiful.org.

News

PRESIDENT COOPER ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL 2023 WASTE DROP-OFF DAY

President Cooper’s Proposed 2024 Budget, Featuring Record Infrastructure Investment, Introduced by Council

President Cooper Reaffirms the St. Tammany Parish Fishing Pier Will Be Rebuilt

President Cooper Announces Recipients of 17th Annual President's Arts Awards

President Mike Cooper Announces Dredging of Pearl River Navigational Canal

President Cooper Launches STAT: St. Tammany Parish’s New Alert System

President Cooper Issues a Parishwide Burn Ban

Unified Development Code Rewrite & St. Tammany Parish Multi-Modal Transportation Plan Open House Meetings Will Be Held August 9 & 10

Cooper Administration's Infrastructure Improvements to Move Forward with Northshore Lawmakers Efforts

President Cooper Proclaims Brayden Jobert Day in St. Tammany Parish

More...

St. Tammany Parish Government Honored as a Top Workplace, President Cooper Announces

President Cooper Opposes Use of Tax Dollars to Conduct Investigation

St. Tammany and St. Bernard Art Grant Program is Accepting Applications

Keep Louisiana Beautiful Awards St. Tammany Parish New Trash Receptacles

About St. Tammany

Navigate to

Resources

working for you

Contact Us