This barge was sunk in Bayou Chene during the 2016 high-water event, the third of four times the technique was used to prevent back-flooding in St. Mary, Lower St. Martin and surrounding parishes. Construction officially began Monday on an $80 million permanent structure that will eliminate the need for sinking barges in the bayou.
St. Mary Levee District Photo
MAJOR CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON BAYOU CHENE FLOOD PROJECT
Construction is now underway on components of a permanent floodgate on Bayou Chene below Morgan City that will provide flood protection for portions of six parishes," the Governor's Office said Monday.
The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority and St. Mary Parish Levee District are overseeing construction of the automated barge floodgate. CPRA is directing $80 million from the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act to fund the project.
