The City of Abbeville is proud to announce the Ramsie Baumgardner Street Lighting Upgrade, a significant infrastructure project that will enhance public safety, improve visibility, and modernize street lighting throughout the city.

This project is made possible through a $497,325 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and administered through the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy.

The purpose of the project is to upgrade Abbeville’s existing street lighting system by replacing approximately 650 outdated halogen streetlights with energy-efficient LED fixtures. Improvements will take place at various locations throughout the city, including along U.S. Highway 167 within the city limits.

Once completed, the project will:

• Improve nighttime visibility
• Increase safety for motorists, pedestrians, and residents
• Reduce energy usage and long-term maintenance costs
• Provide a more reliable and sustainable lighting system for the community

This project moves Abbeville forward by modernizing infrastructure while prioritizing safety for residents, visitors, and daily travelers throughout Abbeville.

This street lighting upgrade was made possible through the dedication of Kristi Baumgardner of Minvielle & Associates. Minvielle & Associates has worked with the City of Abbeville for many years to help write and administer numerous successful grant applications which support critical infrastructure and community improvements.

In this instance, Kristi’s professional expertise and personal commitment came together in a meaningful way. The project is named in memory of Kristi’s stepdaughter, Ramsie Kate Baumgardner, a vibrant 18-year-old student who lost her life in a tragic head-on collision on U.S. Highway 167 in January 2022. Ramsie’s passing deeply impacted her family, friends, and the greater Vermilion Parish community. Kristi’s work on this grant helped secure funding for the project which focuses on improving roadway safety and visibility throughout the city.

In the years since Ramsie’s accident, her parents have transformed their loss into advocacy, working to raise awareness about roadway safety, visibility, and responsible driving. By dedicating this project in Ramsie’s name, the City of Abbeville proudly honors her memory while reinforcing its commitment to safer streets and proactive infrastructure improvements.

Enhancing lighting along city streets and Highway 167 serves as both a lasting tribute to Ramsie’s life and a meaningful step toward helping prevent future tragedies. The City of Abbeville is honored to partner in carrying that legacy forward.

The Ramsie Baumgardner Street Lighting Upgrade represents more than an infrastructure improvement, it is a commitment to safety, remembrance, and ensuring that Ramsie’s legacy continues to light the way forward for our community. We look forward to seeing Abbeville shine brighter for generations to come.