Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District project wins top award

Published March 21, 2014

 American Society of Civil Engineers

NEW ORLEANS – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), New Orleans District Inner Harbor Navigation Canal (IHNC) Lake Borgne Surge Barrier project was recognized yesterday by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) with the 2014 Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement (OCEA) award, the organization’s highest and most prestigious honor.  The IHNC Surge Barrier is part of the Greater New Orleans Hurricane & Storm Damage Risk Reduction System, which reduces the risk of flooding from a storm surge that has a one percent chance of occurring in any given year.

The ASCE award program, now in its 54th year, honors the remarkable accomplishments of the civil engineering profession and leaders who have designed and built the world’s most important infrastructure systems. With more than 80 awards, the program distinguishes the unique contributions that engineers make to both the industry and society.

 

“I am very proud to be a member of the surge barrier team”, said Jason Ragolia, resident engineer for the project.  “This is the first time in the history of the OCEA award that a Corps project won. Congratulations to every one – past and present – who served on this extraordinary team!”

 

The 1.8-mile-long IHNC Surge Barrier is located at the confluence of the GIWW and the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet (MRGO), about 12 miles east of downtown New Orleans. The project reduces the risk for some of the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina, including New Orleans East, metro New Orleans, Gentilly, the Ninth Ward and St. Bernard Parish. The total construction value for the IHNC-Lake Borgne Surge Barrier is an estimated $1.1 billion.

 

 

 

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Release no. 14-018