Amite River and Tributaries,
Ecosystem Restoration, LA

March 10, 2009

Non-Federal Sponsor: Pontchartrain Levee District

Project Description: The feasibility study would develop and recommend alternatives to restore the Amite River ecosystem to provide for flood-damage reduction, fish and wildlife habitat, improved water quality, reduced erosion, and develop recreational opportunities. About 25-30 miles of river has been degraded and channelized such that 12,000 acres of forested habitat and 60 miles of riparian habitat have been lost. This river degradation is believed to be contributing to the increasing flood stages along the Amite River in East Baton Rouge, Livingston, Iberville, and Ascension Parishes.

Status: The Reconnaissance Phase was completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in July 2000. The Pontchartrain Levee District signed the Feasibility Cost Share Agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on March 21, 2003. Topographic survey data to support the existing conditions model has been completed.  The model was submitted to the Corps for review. The Corps completed their review of the existing conditions model and submitted their comments were incorporated into the model.  Shaw is in the process of preparing an interim report on the sedimentation problems with recommendation on preliminary concepts for restoration to be considered for restoration.

Schedule: Since funding has been constrained the feasibility phase is taking excessively long to complete.  At the current rate of funding it will take an inordinate amount of time to complete this important study.  Construction could begin as early as within 2-3 years after completion of the feasibility study provided a recommended plan is authorized by Congress and the non-federal sponsor executes the Project Cooperation Agreement. The cost share for the construction would be 65% Federal and 35% Non-Federal.

Funding History: The cost-share for this feasibility phase is 50% Federal and 50% Non-Federal. To date, approximately $621,000 has been expended ($471,000 Federal and $150,000 Non-Federal).  Funding for this project needs to be increased to complete the study in a timely manner.  Even with this increased funding level indicated below, it will take about 3 years to complete this study.  The remaining cost for this study is estimated to be $5,520,000.

Funding Requirements for FY-10:

Federal $1,000,000

Non-Federal $1,000,000

Total      $2,000,000