September 22, 2026 – Installation Begins

Installation is officially underway on the Ramsie Baumgardner Street Lighting Upgrade.

Preferred Electric, Inc. began installing new LED streetlights this week along the Highway 14 Bypass. Work will continue at locations throughout the City of Abbeville as approximately 650 existing streetlights are replaced with modern, energy-efficient LED fixtures.

The $497,325 project is funded through an 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. Improvements include streetlights throughout Abbeville, including along U.S. Highway 167 within the city limits.

As installation progresses, residents will begin seeing the new LED fixtures in additional areas of the city. Once complete, the upgrades will improve nighttime visibility, enhance safety, reduce energy use and maintenance costs, and provide a more reliable street lighting system.

The start of installation marks an important milestone for a project that carries special meaning for Abbeville. Named in memory of Ramsie Kate Baumgardner, the project serves as a lasting tribute to her life while supporting safer, better-lit streets throughout our community.

Installation of new LED streetlights began along the Highway 14 Bypass in September 2026.

May 6, 2026 –

The City of Abbeville continues to move forward with the Ramsie Baumgardner Street Lighting Upgrade Project following action taken at last night’s City Council meeting.

Council members voted to award the contract for street light improvements to the lowest bidder, Preferred Electric, Inc., advancing the project into its next phase.

In addition, the City approved the purchase of the new LED streetlights through Graybar, utilizing an existing State contract to help streamline procurement and ensure cost efficiency.

This project will upgrade approximately 650 streetlights throughout the city, including along U.S. Highway 167, replacing outdated fixtures with modern, energy-efficient LED lighting.

Once complete, the project will:

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

The Ramsie Baumgardner Street Lighting Upgrade reflects the City’s continued commitment to safer streets, modern infrastructure, and honoring a legacy that continues to make a meaningful impact in our community.

January 5, 2026 – Lighting the Way Forward: Ramsie Baumgardner Street Lighting Upgrade

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.