FRANKLIN, La. (AP) - Work is set to begin on part of an $80 million project intended to help control backwater flooding in several southeastern Louisiana parishes.
Contractor Sealevel Construction Inc. received approval from officials in St. Mary Parish last week to begin constructing a permanent barge that would be placed in Bayou Chene to block water that backs up when the Atchafalaya River is high, news outlets reported.
Officials have said the 400-foot (122-meter) barge gate would be swung into place when needed. In the past, a temporary barge has been submerged in the bayou to prevent flooding.
People were interested in these podcasts
The barge is one part of the floodgate project, which will also include the construction of a flood wall and a levee.
Gov. John Bel Edwards announced last year that the state’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority would fund the project through a revenue-sharing agreement that gives gulf states money from oil and gas developments off their shores.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.