The City of Pineville announced that a federal funding request aimed at demolishing abandoned structures on the former Central Louisiana State Hospital campus has advanced following meetings in Washington, D.C.

According to city officials, John Kennedy has forwarded a $2.5 million funding request to the Senate Appropriations Committee to support demolition efforts on the more than 400-acre property.

City leaders said the proposal advanced after Pineville Mayor Joe Bishop traveled to Washington to meet with Kennedy’s staff and advocate for the project. Officials noted the proposal was selected from hundreds of requests submitted from across Louisiana.

The requested funding would be used to remove hazardous and abandoned buildings across the historic campus in an effort to eliminate blight, prepare the property for future development, and encourage economic growth opportunities.

City officials said any demolition work would remain subject to state procedures because ownership of the property remains with the State of Louisiana. Decisions regarding which buildings are demolished or preserved will be determined through a joint effort involving state leaders, and demolition contracts would be handled through a competitive state bid process.

Officials also clarified that any future sale of land on the campus would be governed through the Louisiana Office of State Lands appraisal process. The Pineville Downtown Development District, which operates separately from the city government, serves as the entity responsible for handling property sale procedures related to the site.

According to the city, the approximately 7-acre Shell Road tract identified as Parcel M was appraised by the state at $120,000 with the condition that all structures on the property be demolished.

The city also noted that the dairy barn, cemetery, and Rose Cottage are protected historical locations under state statute and cannot be removed.

Officials said developers or individuals interested in redevelopment opportunities on the campus are encouraged to contact the Pineville Downtown Development District or attend one of its monthly meetings to submit proposals for specific parcels.