New Orleans-The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District has issued a Notice to Proceed for construction of the Permanent Canal Closures and Pumps at the London Ave., Orleans Ave., and 17th Street outfall canals.
On April 17, 2013, the Corps affirmed its decision to award the $614,755,700 construction contract to PCCP Constructors, a joint venture comprised of Kiewit Louisiana Co., Traylor Bros. Inc., and the M.R. Pittman group, LLC. Today’s notice to proceed was issued following the close of the contract protest period.
The Permanent Canal Closures and Pumps, commonly known as the Permanent Pumps, will provide permanent and more sustainable measure for reducing the risk of a 100-year level storm surge entering the three outfall canals. PCCP Constructors, JV are now allowed to begin efforts such as schedule development and channel surveys. Physical construction of the projects is anticipated to begin in fall 2013.
The interim closure structures will continue to provide 100-year levels of storm surge risk reduction until the permanent pumps are constructed and operational. Since their construction in 2006, these temporary structures have performed as designed in four named tropical weather events, most recently during Hurricane Isaac.
For more information on the Permanent Canal Closures and Pumps or the existing interim closure structures, please contact Ricky Boyett at 504-862-1524, 504-616-7519 or ricky.d.boyett@usace.army.mil.
Release no. 13-023