Grand Isle and Vicinity, Louisiana

Updated May 20, 2005

PURPOSE. The project is designed to reduce tropical storm and hurricane damage to Grand Isle, La., and the mainland of Louisiana.

LOCATION. Grand Isle is a populated island on the Gulf of Mexico at the south end of Jefferson Parish. It is about 50 miles south of New Orleans and 45 miles northwest of the mouth of the Mississippi River.

SPONSORS. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and the Town of Grand Isle.

AUTHORITY. Section 201 of the Flood Control Act of 1965 originally authorized the project. The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 1996 and 1999 and the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act of 2001 and 2002 provide additional authorization

DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT:

Phase I - Consists of a vegetated dune extending along the length of the Gulf shore, a jetty to stabilize the western part of the island, and 23 segmented offshore breakwaters protecting the eastern end of the island. Another modification to the project, as authorized by the WRDA of 1996, provides for construction of additional breakwaters, road raising and a levee system.

The project was completed on Oct. 1, 1991 and turned over to the local sponsors.

Phase II – Consists of a small levee along the bayside of Grand Isle and completely around the populated area of Cheniere Caminada, raising the roads in these areas, and constructing of segmented breakwaters at numerous locations along the bayside of Grand Isle.

The WRDA of 1996 provided the authority to construct additional flood protection along the bayside of Grand Isle, pending completion of a report finding that such work is technically sound, environmentally and economically acceptable.

The preliminary analysis of the economic viability of this project shows this project is not economically justified.

WRDA of 1999, Section 410, states: "In carrying out a study of the storm damage reduction benefits to Grand Isle and Vicinity, Louisiana, the Secretary shall include benefits that a storm damage reduction project for Grand Isle and Vicinity, Louisiana may have on the mainland coast of Louisiana as project benefits attributable to the Grand Isle project." Federal and State agencies agree, in principle, that shoreline protection/restoration, breakwaters, and reforestation provide environmental and recreational benefits.

CURRENT STATUS:

Grand Isle Reevaluation Study – North Side Breakwaters:

·          The main reevaluation report for the north side erosion protection is underway.  The report is scheduled for completion in August 2005.        

Grand Isle Beach Rehabilitation and Renourishment Efforts:

·         The purpose of this effort is to rehabilitate and renourish the sand dune and beach.  Sand fencing, crosswalks, and vegetation is a part of the project. 

·         LA DOTD and the Town of Grand Isle were the local sponsors for this project.

·         PL 84-99 funding was used to fund a portion of this project.

·        The project was completed in March 2005.