Parish officials dedicated the new St. Charles Parish Office of Motor Vehicles Friday with a ribbon-cutting celebration boasting at least one New Orleans celebrity.

Clarinetist Pete Fountain was on hand for the festivities, as well as State Office of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Nick Gautreaux, District Attorney Harry Morel and others.

“Anyone who works at the courthouse or even visits on a regular basis knows how much traffic our Department of Motor Vehicles Office generates,” St. Charles Parish President V.J. St. Pierre said during the ceremony. “While we love our DMV employees, we are excited to be kicking them out of the courthouse and into this efficient new building.”

The 1,625-square-foot, $325,288 facility was funded in part by a Louisiana State Local Government Assistance Program grant in the amount of $151,000, with the balance coming from the parish’s general fund. The move will allow the courthouse to beef up its security by eliminating foot traffic through the building’s back doors.

Gautreaux praised the parish’s efforts in this latest partnership between local and state government.

“The people who make this happen are the citizens of this parish; and also the citizens of other parishes that come to this office who appreciate the customer service,” Gautreaux said “As commissioner, I’m dedicated to keeping this office open no matter what happens.”

Architect John Campo said he aimed to place the needs of the public first in designing the building for a pleasant and efficient user experience.

The new office is located across the street from the courthouse; directly behind the Economic Development office at 15012A River Road.

The mission of St. Charles Parish government is to provide high quality, efficient services to sustain and enhance the quality of life for all residents of St. Charles Parish.

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