NEW ORLEANS, LA – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, is set to begin construction along the Grand Isle Federal Dune Project to repair damages sustained during recent storm surge events, including Hurricane Isaac in 2012.
"Following Hurricane Katrina, this dune was constructed to act as a sacrificial dune, helping reduce risks associated with tropical storm surge," stated Bobby Duplantier, senior project manager with the Corps of Engineers. "Because of the damage sustained during Hurricane Isaac, one of our priorities has been to get these repairs underway so that the dune will once again be ready to perform as it is designed."
The repair efforts are along a 2,000-foot reach of the dune at the southwestern end of Grand Isle. The Corps expects work to begin in early July, with completion in September. The work area will be closed to public access for the duration of the construction period. However, all Grand Isle beaches outside the repair section will remain open. Residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution and take note of signs and fencing located along the boundaries of the work area.
In April, the Corps awarded a contract to Grillot Construction, LLC of Belle Chasse, La. The $2.5 million contract includes replacement of the damaged section of geotextile tube, placement of stone along the western end of the alignment and reconstruction of the sand dune crown. 
Release no. 13-034