(The Center Square) – Forty-three of 107 Morganza to the Gulf projects are in construction, a Louisiana coastal restoration board said Wednesday during a briefing.
The $1.76 billion effort, says the Coastal Protection & Restoration Authority Board, includes $1.2 billion of local and state investment. Work in the hurricane and storm damage risk area will improve of earthen levees, flood gates, environmental water control structures, road and railroad gates, and fronting protection for existing pump stations.
The area stretches approximately 98 miles, from Gibson and U.S. 90 in the west to Lockport and LA 1 to the east.
The $38.7 million HNC island restoration project in Terrebonne and phase three of the $6.5 million Bayou Terre Aux Boeufs ridge restoration project in Saint Bernard are in full construction.
The HNC project is building 35 acres of marsh protection and nourishment on the island to restore its size and nature. The work intends to protect many bird species habitats and provide resiliency to Terrebonne Parish.
The Bayou Terre Aux Boeuf project planted 10,000 trees and 17,800 tons of armor stone along its ridgeline.
Phase 1 of the HNC lock complex was completed a couple months ago and the phase two bid has been awarded. The construction is expected to be completed in 2028.
The HNC Lock Complex is a large-scale hydrologic restoration project that will help limit saltwater intrusion and distribute freshwater within the Terrebonne Basin, allowing for the maintenance of thousands of acres of wetlands, which serve as critical wildlife habitat and nurseries for fisheries.
The Bayou Petit Caillou and Bayou Grand Caillou floodgate improvements were also recently completed. The Bush and Placid floodgates are being constructed.
Multiple levee systems in North Lafourche are still in discussion, but are trying to work around complicated oil and gas pipelines in the area. Hurricanes have also prolonged the design and construction of levees and flood walls in both North and South Lafourche.
The board is trying to add a Larose floodgate that is estimated to cost $36 million to prevent flooding in Golden Meadow.
