Project Partnership Agreement Between CPRA and Corps Assures Permanent and Sustainable Risk Reduction at Outfall Canals
$800 million program will provide a permanent adaptable solution for the three outfall canals
NEW ORLEANS - Long-term sustainable and permanent risk reduction for the citizens of greater New Orleans has taken a huge step forward as a result of the signing of a Project Partnership Agreement (PPA) between The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) of Louisiana and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This Agreement, announced in a joint press conference today, enables the Corps to move forward with the process to award a design-build contract for Permanent Canal Closures and Pumps (PCCP) at the 17th St., Orleans Ave. and London Ave. canals.
"The outfall canals served as one of the major vulnerabilities facing Jefferson and New Orleans. We have been working closely with Jefferson and Orleans parishes, the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East and our congressional delegation to ensure the best permanent fix be put into place. This agreement allows vital work to begin," said Garret Graves, Chairman of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the Corps built the Interim Closure Structures at the mouths of the three outfall canals in time for the 2006 Hurricane Season. These structures provide 100-year level perimeter risk reduction but have only a five- to seven-year project life.
The new project will provide a permanent replacement for the temporary structures and be designed and built with adaptable features for future enhancements, should they be Congressionally authorized and funded.
"We look forward to working every step of the way with our partners, the State of Louisiana, Southeast Flood Protection Authority - East, New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board and Jefferson Parish," said Karen Durham-Aguilera, Director of Task Force Hope.
The approximately $800 million design-build project is expected to be complete in the fall of 2014.
Governor Bobby Jindal said, "This is a major step forward that will help to ensure that this great city and this great region never again experience the failures we saw during Hurricane Katrina. Indeed, the path forward announced today lays a clear course for even better protection for the residents of Jefferson and Orleans parishes. We will continue to work closely with the Corps of Engineers, Jefferson Parish, the City of New Orleans, the Sewerage and Water Board, the South Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East and our Congressional delegation to ensure that this area has the type of protection the people deserve."
For more information about the CPRA and Louisiana's ongoing coastal protection and wetland restoration efforts, please contact Chris Macaluso at (225) 342-3968 or by email at chris.macaluso@la.gov.