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Shreveport Launches New Water Well at Highland Center

A water well and solar panel installation at The Highland Center in Shreveport

News Summary

The City of Shreveport has inaugurated a new water well at The Highland Center, contributing to its role as a Community Lighthouse. This initiative aims to enhance emergency preparedness and provides an independent water supply during disasters, ensuring community safety and resilience. The project, which is expected to be fully operational by summer, also features solar panel installations to support emergency operations.

City of Shreveport Welcomes New Water Well at Highland Center

In an exciting development for the residents of Shreveport, Louisiana, a dedicated crew dug a new well at The Highland Center on March 5, 2025. This effort is part of an innovative initiative to transform The Highland Center into one of the city’s first Community Lighthouses. What does that mean for the community? It means that during times of crisis or disaster, The Highland Center will serve as a reliable shelter with its very own water supply!

Enhancing Emergency Preparedness

This new installation is not just about providing water; it’s crucial in ensuring The Highland Center can fulfill its role as a community shelter when challenges arise. The goal is to provide safe, secure places where community members can find refuge during weather-related disasters and extensive power outages. Alongside the water well, solar panels are also being installed to boost the facility’s capacity for emergency operations.

For nearly two years, North Louisiana Interfaith has been hard at work developing a network of these Community Lighthouses. Currently, The Highland Center and Morning Star Baptist Church are leading the way as the first two sites in Shreveport to be equipped with these vital resources. This initiative is a timely response to the growing concerns surrounding natural disasters and their impact on the community.

Why A Water Well Matters

Having an independent water supply at The Highland Center is a game changer during emergencies. When municipal water supplies can be disrupted, this well will provide residents with essential sanitation support. Moreover, the program also ensures that bottled water supplies are stored at the Community Lighthouses for those unforeseen emergencies.

Despite all the enthusiasm, there are some hurdles to leap. There are concerns surrounding the costs associated with classifying the well water as potable, which could affect its accessibility for the community.

Becoming Fully Operational

As the project gains momentum, it is expected that The Highland Center will be fully operational by summer. All major components needed for this readiness are in place, according to the center’s Executive Director. The new well struck water at a depth of 165 feet, and plans are in the works to construct a brick enclosure around it, ensuring its safety and longevity.

Community Empowerment

The core idea behind the Community Lighthouse network is empowering local residents to assist one another during disasters. This approach not only lightens the load on emergency responders but also fosters a sense of community togetherness and resilience. District 4 Caddo Commissioner has emphasized the necessity of establishing backup water systems at each lighthouse site to further enhance readiness.

Funding the Future

The Highland Center initiative has garnered support from various sources, including a grant from the American Rescue Plan and local governmental resources. Total funding for the project amounts to $500,000, showcasing strong community support for this valuable infrastructure.

Not stopping there, plans are already underway to expand the Community Lighthouse program across Caddo Parish. Future locations, such as Galilee Baptist Church, are being considered as potential third sites for enhancing community safety and preparedness.

Final Thoughts

As Shreveport takes commendable steps toward sustainability and preparedness, the installation of this well and the addition of solar panels at The Highland Center mark a promising era for community resilience. With these recent developments, residents can feel notably more secure, knowing that they have a reliable support system in place during unpredictable times.