WALKER - The city of Walker in Livingston Parish plans to spend more money than ever this year on infrastructure improvements.

Walker leaders plan to spend $1.2 million to improve roads, sewer, gas and drainage in the city. Smith Drive is one of the roads that will get drainage improvements. Right now water appears to be at a stand still in the ditches.

"It's kind of aggravating. My husband's always out trying to get the water to flow so it doesn't come up in our yards and stuff to try to help everybody out," said resident Cathy Carney.

Crews will replace the old culverts and improve the flow of water before problems get worse, according to Walker Chief of Operations Fred Raiford.

"The more it stays wet the better opportunity it has to create erosion problems which also impacts the road base, so it is very important to address the drainage needs here in Walker," he said.

Construction on Smith Drive will begin in February and take around six months to finish.

"It's going to be nice, because every time you get out of your car and you have water standing in your yard and stuff because it doesn't drain right," said Carney. "It's going to be nice to go in without having to get your shoes all wet to get into your house."

Plans also call for drainage improvements on Aydell Lane and Pendarvis Lane near Florida Boulevard.