PRESS CONFERENCE: Louisiana National Guard Begins Repairs at Grambling State  

Campus Drainage Issues to be Resolved Before August  

 GRAMBLING, La – June 14, 2020 – The Louisiana National Guard will be joined by their Adjutant General Keith Waddell, Grambling State University President Rick Gallot, and other state officials on the campus of Grambling State University for the official groundbreaking of a drainage improvement project on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at 1:00 p.m.  

“We appreciate the support of Governor Edwards and other officials as we address the flooding issues on campus,” said President Gallot. “The support in the form of funding and personnel will provide a long-term solution for an issue that has plagued the campus for years.” 

The project was approved under the Department of Defense’s Innovative Readiness Program, enabling the use of National Guard equipment for a Civil-Military project, according to CPT Brandon R. Cambre. The Innovative Readiness Program affords the Louisiana National Guard opportunities to use soldiers’ training requirements and equipment to benefit various public entities, non-profit organizations, and the people of Louisiana.   

Representatives of the Louisiana National Guard’s 225th Engineer Brigade shared that “the Louisiana National Guard values the opportunity to assist Grambling State University and the surrounding community.”  

Flooding in early spring of 2019 caused damage to infrastructure at Grambling State due to ditches and culverts becoming partially obstructed by trees, silt, and other debris. Louisiana National Guard engineers have begun the necessary improvements to re-establish proper drainage.  

Limited media access will be granted, please contact mediarelations@gram.edu to verify intent to attend. Protective masks are required and physical distancing of at least 6 feet will be observed.