The project was authorized for environmental enhancement by Section 3 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1988 (P.L. 100-676) signed 17 November 1988.

PROJECT:

The Louisiana wetlands provide about 30 percent of the nation's commercial fish harvest and about 40 percent of the fur harvest. The productivity of fish and wildlife is being adversely affected. The Louisiana wetlands are being lost at a rate of 35 square miles per year. The natural processes of subsidence, compaction, erosion, and saltwater intrusion, which have been accelerated by channel dredging and levee building, are major contributors to the land loss. Historically, the project area accounted for about 75 percent of the Louisiana oyster harvest. The harvest percentage in the project area has declined due to increased salinities over the natural oyster reefs. The overall fish and wildlife harvest has also declined. The project will reduce saltwater intrusion and significantly increase the production of oyster, white shrimp, blue crabs, croakers, and menhaden. Oyster production is estimated to be increased by 5.7 million pounds annually in Louisiana and 1.9 million pounds annually in Mississippi. About 10,500 acres of marsh and wooded swamps adjacent to Lakes Maurepas and Pontchartrain would be saved over the 50-year project life, since nutrients and sediments from the freshwater would result in a healthier marsh and reduce land loss. The plan of improvement includes a six-boxed culvert freshwater diversion structure capable of diverting a maximum of 30,000 cfs, with 6 miles of channels with a depth of 30 feet, and 0.4 miles of levees. The project will require the relocation of a highway bridge, a state road, two railroad bridges, and several utilities.

LOCAL COOPERATION:

The Governor of Mississippi, by letter dated 21 September 1990, provided guarantees to furnish Mississippi share of the project costs. The Governor of Louisiana, by letter dated July 1996, withdrew the State of Louisiana's support for the project.

PROGRESS:

Pre-construction engineering and design was initiated in October 1984. The first construction contract is not currently scheduled.

COST:

The total cost of the project is $88,600,000 of which $64,500,000 is Federal and $21,500,000 is non-Federal cost and $2,600,000 in utility relocations, which are the responsibility of the facility owners, and not creditable to the local sponsor's share. The non-Federal share is split between Louisiana ($17,200,000) and Mississippi ($4,300,000).