“The importance of this project is underscored by Congress’ decision to provide upfront funding through the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 and it shines a light on the importance of Louisiana to the nation,” said Col. Stephen Murphy, commander, New Orleans District, USACE, applauded the use of nonstructural and structural features to provide holistic flood protection across the three River Parishes. Construction of the project is being funded through a 65 percent federal, 35 percent local cost share.Ĭol. Army Corps of Engineers, the Pontchartrain Levee District, and St. The West Shore Lake Pontchartrain Hurricane Protection project is a joint effort of CPRA and the New Orleans District of the U.S.
We’ve recognized the necessity of this project for some time, and we’re eager to provide our River Parishes with the protection they deserve.” “With this long-awaited effort, we are breaking ground on a project that will provide immense benefits to some of our state’s most susceptible regions.
“This is what protecting South Louisiana looks like this is what progress looks like,” said CPRA Chairman Chip Kline. Following pressure from state and local leaders, Congress authorized the project in 2016 and allocated funds in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018. Lack of funding caused the proposed project to remain dormant until 2012, when Hurricane Isaac flooded 7,000 homes in the area and interstate 10, which delayed emergency response for days. The West Shore Lake Pontchartrain project began as a study of the area between the Mississippi River and Lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas in the aftermath of Hurricane Betsy. Army Corps of Engineers, the Pontchartrain Levee District, and all those who worked tirelessly to make this important project a reality.” Today’s event is a testament to the dedication of CPRA, the U.S. “With the completion of the West Shore project, thousands of Louisianans and millions of dollars of residential and commercial property will receive a much-deserved increase in their level of hurricane protection. “The River Parishes represent some of the most vibrant and vital areas in the state,” said Gov. The structure will span from the Bonnet Carre Spillway to the Mississippi River Levee near Garyville and provide storm surge protection and improved resilience on the western shores of Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas. The $760 million project will span 18.5 miles, including 17.5 miles of levees, one mile of T-wall, drainage structures, pump stations, and several non-structural protection measures to form an integrated protection system. The project will provide 100-year hurricane and storm surge protection to 60,000 Louisianans in St. Edwards joined the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) along with federal, state, and local officials for a groundbreaking ceremony on the West Shore Lake Pontchartrain Hurricane Protection system. “We want to thank American Cruise Lines for adding the River Parishes as an official destination on their New Orleans cruise, where guests can enjoy and learn about the rich history of the Louisiana River Parishes through excursions, trails, tours and more.Today, Gov. “The River Parishes experienced some of the worst in Hurricane Ida and in the pandemic and has caused tourism to slow down and decline in the River Parishes,” said Robichaux. Governor Billy Nungesser and Director for City Partnerships and Special Projects at American Cruise Lines Frank Klipsch. James Parish President Pete Dufresne, Lt. The press announcement was opened with a performance by a traditional brass band with celebratory speeches by Louisiana’s River Parishes Executive Director Jay Robichaux, St. James port revealing a new partnership with American Cruise Lines that will make the River Parishes an official destination on their New Orleans cruise line. VACHERIE – On Tuesday, July 26, Louisiana’s River Parishes Tourist Commission held a special press announcement in Vacherie at the St.