South Central Coast Louisiana Draft Feasibility Report available for review
Study evaluates alternatives for reducing flood damage risk in Iberia, St. Martin, and St. Mary parishes
NEW ORLEANS – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released its South Central Coast Louisiana Feasibility Study with Integrated Environmental Impact Statement for a 45-day public review and comment period.
The study’s purpose is to evaluate potential alternatives for addressing coastal storm and flood risk to vulnerable populations, property, ecosystems and infrastructure within the three-parish study area. The primary focus of the study was on communities and areas located north of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) but measures for all at-risk structures, both inside and outside of the coastal zone, were considered.
The Tentatively Selected Plan (TSP) identified to undergo further feasibility-level design is a non-structural approach that would elevate or flood-proof structures within the 25-year storm surge floodplain. This alternative would reduce flood damage risks for approximately 3,400 structures, including 2,629 residential, 597 commercial structures, 71 public buildings, and 166 warehouses in St. Martin, Iberia, and St. Mary parishes. Participation in the project would be 100-percent voluntary; full implementation of the TSP would cost approximately $1.4 billion.
The general public, interested parties, and stakeholders are invited to comment on the TSP. The draft report contains a description of the project, an evaluation of the alternatives under consideration, and an analysis of potential environmental impacts. All public comments received will be addressed and considered accordingly as part of the continued development of the TSP into a more detailed Recommended Plan.
The report and supporting information is available online at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District website: https://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/South-Central-Coast/
The Corps will host public meetings to receive public comments. Meetings are scheduled for the dates and locations below:
Dec. 10, 2019 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Cade Community Center
1688 Smede Hwy 728 Myrtle Street
Dec. 11, 2019 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Morgan City Municipal Auditorium
St. Martinsville, La. 70582 Morgan City, La. 70380
Written comments on the draft feasibility study and integrated environment impact statement will be through Jan. 6, 2020.
These comments should be directed to:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District
c/o Alice Kerl
CEMVN–PM–B
7400 Leake Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70118
Comments can also be submitted electronically to the following
Southcentralcoaststudy@usace.army.mil