Past protection proves profitable for St. Mary

‘Game Changing’ HNC project under way
May 16, 2012
Montegut, Dulac, upper and lower Dularge residents seek much-needed protection
May 16, 2012
‘Game Changing’ HNC project under way
May 16, 2012
Montegut, Dulac, upper and lower Dularge residents seek much-needed protection
May 16, 2012

The Louisiana House of Representatives and state Senate Committees on Natural Resources have agreed to add construction of a permanent flood protection structure to Bayou Chene in St. Mary Parish.

“Now it is a matter of being placed on the priority list [for construction],” state Rep. Sam Jones (D-Franklin) said. A permanent flood protection structure carries an estimated cost of between $60 and $80 million. Construction dates or specifications depend first on engineering design and then legislative approval.


A temporary flood structure, which involved sinking a 20-ton barge in Bayou Chene during May 2011, saved both St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes from the Atchafalaya River backwater flooding, after the Morganza spillway was opened to relieve high water levels on the Mississippi River.

The barge that was used measured 500 feet in length, 120 feet in width and was 33 feet in depth. “A new [barge complex] would be about that same size,” Smith said.

The Louisiana Coastal Master Plan drew fire in the Tri-Parish region during a public showing in February. Both residents and public officials complained that the data involved was outdated and emphasis areas did not include those most critical to residents and commerce.


Designed by the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, the Coastal Master Plan is a 2-year analysis used to select 109 high performing projects that could deliver measurable benefits to coastal communities and the overall ecosystem. The plan carries a $50 billion price tag. It is also claimed to offer flood protection for a sustainable coast.

MorganzaMIKE NIXON | TRI-PARISH TIMES