Date: February 26, 2002

Atchafalaya Basin Floodway System, Louisiana

PROJECT AUTHORITY: Supplemental Appropriations Act of 1985 (PL 99-88); Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 1986, PL 99-662. Funding to initiate acquisition of the real estate features was made available by the Energy and Water Resources Development Appropriations Act of 1988, PL 100-202.

PROJECT SPONSORS: The project sponsor is the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources.

PROJECT LOCATION: South-central Louisiana, extends south from U.S. Highway 190 to vicinity of Morgan City/Berwick, comprising the area between the East and West Atchafalaya Basin Protection levees.

PROJECT PURPOSE/FEATURES: Flood Control and Environmental Protection: Acquire 338,000 acres Flowage, Developmental Control, and Environmental Protection Easements. Public Access: Acquire 50,000 acres land in fee (less mineral rights). This is the largest land acquisition project within the Corps of Engineers. Water Management Units: Restore historical overflow patterns to benefit fish and wildlife. Recreation Features: complement public access. Recreation features consist of several boat launching ramps, campgrounds, and a visitors center.

PROJECT COSTS:

FEDERAL NON-FEDERAL TOTAL

Total Estimated Project Cost $202,000,000 $19,000,000 $221,000,000

Land Acquisition $119,886,000 $ 0 $119,886,000

Recreation $ 20,095,000 $19,000,000 $ 39,095,000

Management Units $ 62,019,000 $ 0 $ 62,019,000

PROJECT BUDGET/SCHEDULE: FY 2001 funds are being used to continue real estate acquisitions, continue PED on WMUs, initiate PED on recreation features, and complete PED and initiate construction of the Simmesport Boat Ramp. Flood Control and Environmental Protection: Have negotiated 143,729 ac (43%) of flowage, developmental control and environmental protection easements. Public Access: Have negotiated 47,324 ac (95%) of fee lands. Water Management Units (WMU): In 1995, constructed (with E&D funds) Bayou Eugene prototype to improve water circulation in the northwest portion of Buffalo Cove pilot unit. Constructed Bayou Eugene modification in FY02. Proceed with planning and designs for Buffalo Cove and Flat Lake. We will pursue adaptive management construction for Buffalo Cove and Flat Lake in FY 03. Recreation Features: We are working on implementation of the Simmesport Boat Launch, an FY 97 Congressional ad. We executed the PCA in April 2001. Avoyelles Parish Police Jury (non-Federal sponsor) is in the process of acquiring rights-of-way. Contract award will follow, perhaps in FY 2002. Following the 2000 MRC High Water Inspection, MVN and Louisiana Department of Natural Resources discussed opportunities for early implementation of boat-launching ramps and agreed to expedite construction of the Myette Point Boat Ramp. FY02 efforts include the completion of the Engineering Documentation Report and initiation of Plans and Specifications for Myette Point Boat Landing, advancement of Lake End and Interpretive Center planning, and initiation of planning/design of Bayou Pigeon and Bayou Sorrel Boat Landings. The President’s Budget is $98 million for FY03. The FY03 funds required are $10.2 million which include an additional $3.2 million to advance construction and E&D of Buffalo Cove & Flat Lake water management units; Bayous’ Pigeon & Sorrel Boat Launches; and Lake End Park.

ISSUES: Acreage and cost caps of fee lands; visitor center at Morgan City.