Corps using innovative construction contracting in St. Bernard Parish

Published Aug. 7, 2009
NEW ORLEANS – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $539,000 contract
yesterday, reaching another pivotal milestone in reducing risk for residences and
businesses in St. Bernard Parish. The Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) contract was
awarded to St. Bernard Levee Partners, LLC for preconstruction services on the
Chalmette Loop from Bayou Dupre to Highway 46 (LPV 146).

Preconstruction services will run concurrent to the design effort, allowing for valuable
collaboration between the design team and St. Bernard Levee Partners, LLC. When
complete, this project will reduce impacts from a storm surge event that has a one percent chance of occurring in any given year.

The ECI contract includes two subsequent contract options which, when awarded, will
account for the majority of the estimated $281 million in construction costs.
Construction will include 7.5 miles of new floodwall to elevation 29 feet that will tie in to
the Bayou Dupre sector gate structure on the west, and to the Highway 46 and Bayou
Road Floodgate on the east.

Last month, the Corps awarded the base portion of an ECI contract for preconstruction
services on the Chalmette Loop between Bayou Bienvenue and Bayou Dupre to
Chalmette Levee Contractors, A Joint Venture.

Release no. 09-073