NEWS RELEASE

Contact: David West (west@nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

6/28/2002

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES-Northwestern State University has received approval from the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors to sell a parcel of property to the City of Natchitoches for use as a public safety complex.

The City of Natchitoches will purchase approximately 1.5 acres from the university. The land, which is located across from the Natchitoches Education Center, will house a substation of the Natchitoches Fire Department and the Natchitoches Parish Ambulance Service.

"Northwestern is always willing to work with the City of Natchitoches to achieve common goals," said NSU President Dr. Randall J. Webb. "The location is appropriate for fire and emergency medical personnel and will be helpful to the community and the university."

Natchitoches Fire Chief Bob Hebert said a fire engine would be housed at the complex. The Public Safety Complex will not only provide quick emergency response to the University, but it will also meet the needs of the growing portion of west Natchitoches and Interstate 49, said Mayor Wayne McCullen.

The University will use money from the sale to expand utility service needed to develop a Greek Row on campus.

"This is a project that I have wanted to initiate for some time," said Webb. "The development of a Greek Row will be beneficial to the university."

The sale must be approved by the Louisiana Legislature.

Several years ago, the University sold a section of land at the corner of La. Highway 6 and the La. Highway 1 Bypass which was developed into a supermarket, convenience store, restaurant and bank. Funds from the proceeds of the sale were used to retire bonds on campus residence halls.

Main Menu