NEW ORLEANS – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $735,000 preconstruction services contract this week, reaching another pivotal milestone in reducing risk for residences and businesses in St. Bernard Parish. The Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) contract was awarded to Chalmette Levee Constructors, A Joint Venture, for design services on the Chalmette Loop between Bayou Bienvenue and Bayou Dupre.
Preconstruction services will run concurrent to the design effort, allowing for valuable collaboration between the design team and Chalmette Levee Constructors. 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 $357 million in construction costs and will allow for the construction of approximately 6.5 miles of T-wall along the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet.
Last month, the Corps awarded the base portion of an ECI contract for preconstruction services on a reach in New Orleans East. Additionally, three upcoming contracts in St. Bernard and Orleans parishes will make use of ECI preconstruction services.
Release no. 09-079