Upper Barataria Louisiana Draft Feasibility Report available for review
Study evaluates alternatives for reducing flood damage risk in the Upper Barataria Basin
NEW ORLEANS – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released its Upper Barataria Basin – 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 to reduce the risk to human life, health, and safety; reduce flood and economic impacts to structures, evacuation routes, and critical infrastructure; and increase community resiliency before, during, and after flooding events.
The Tentatively Selected Plan (TSP) identified to undergo further feasibility-level design is a $514 million alternative that would extend the existing parish levee approximately 18.3 miles to connect with the high ground across the basin near Raceland and includes a 270-foot barge gate across Bayou des Allemands. The levee would be designed and constructed in accordance to post-Katrina levee design guidelines and will provide a minimum of the 50-year level of risk reduction, or a storm surge that has a two percent chance of occurring in any given year.
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: www.mvn.usace.army.mil/About/Projects/BBA-2018/studies/Upper-Barataria-Louisiana/
The Corps will host a public meeting to receive public comments; time and location to follow in subsequent media release and advertisements. Written comments on the draft feasibility study and integrated environment impact statement will be through Jan. 13, 2020.
These comments should be directed to:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District
c/o Danielle A Keller
CEMVN–PM–B
7400 Leake Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70118
Comments can also be submitted electronically to the following
UpperBaratariaFS@usace.army.mil
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