Corps proposes improvements to Westbank Mississippi River Levees from English Turn to Oakville

Published Nov. 29, 2010

NEW ORLEANS, LA – The Corps is proposing a portion of the West Bank & Vicinity and Mississippi River and Tributaries (MR&T) levees, between English Turn and Oakville, LA, be raised to defend against a storm event that has a one percent chance of occurring in any given year.

The environmental document which discusses the proposed raise of the Mississippi River levees’ authorized design elevation is currently available for public review and comment through Saturday, Dec. 25, 2010. Individual Environmental Report 33 may be downloaded for review on www.nolaenvironmental.gov. Hard copies may be requested by writing mvnenvironmental@usace.army.mil or by calling 504-862-1544.

The Corps is hosting a public meeting to discuss the content of IER 33 and:
• The purpose and need of a proposal to raise the co-located Westbank and Vicinity / Mississippi River Levees in Plaquemines and Orleans parishes. The project area includes levees that run the length of the Mississippi River from River Mile 85.5, near English Turn, to River Mile 70, near Oakville, LA.
• The proposed methods and impacts associated with construction of higher and stronger risk reduction features in the Belle Chasse hydrologic sub-basin.

Public meeting details are:

When: Monday, Dec. 6, 2010
Informational Open House to view project details 6 to 6:30 p.m.
Presentation and discussion begins at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Bayou Barriere Golf Clubhouse
7427 Highway 23, Belle Chasse, LA 70037

The Mississippi River levee system was designed to protect against a high water river event, not hurricane storm surge. However, to reduce the risk from storm surge events, the Corps is using new techniques and analysis to increase the size and function of the Mississippi River levees co-located with the Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System.

Questions or comments concerning the hurricane system should be addressed to:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
c/o Public Affairs
PO Box 60267
New Orleans, LA 70160-0267
Phone: 504-862-2201
Fax: 504-862-1724
E-mail: AskTheCorps@usace.army.mil


Contact
Rene Poche
504-862-1767
rene.g.poche@usace.army.mil

Release no. 10-011