St. James Hurricane Protection Levee and Study Project

Project Description:  This study is the result of recommendations from earlier work by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and others to evaluate the need and costs for flood control and hurricane protection in the areas upstream of the Lake Pontchartrain Hurricane Protection Levee.  The initial study yielded three (3) potential routes and approximate construction costs in order to evaluate the potential routes.  After careful consideration, the chosen route was along and north of I-10.  This route not only protects the residents but closes the gap between Reserve and Sorrento.  It also protects the interstate travel lanes during hurricane situations, and also allows a much faster response time for emergency personnel and repopulation.

Status:  The work on the initial study report has been completed, and the final conceptual route has been chosen by the PLD.  The current phase of the project is to finalize and detail the approved route.  This will include survey, geotechnical, hydrological, and land ownership considerations.  Preliminary environmental, wetlands, and endangered species reports were done in the previous portion of the study.  The purpose of this phase is to revise and update the Estimate of Probable Construction Cost.

The survey portion of the work has been completed.  The field gathering of data has been completed.  An extensive search of local, state and federal data bases has been completed to determine if any hazards or well sites exist in conflict with the proposed route.  The data is currently being processed and drafting of plans has begun.

The geotechnical field work has been completed and final report has been submitted.  All Permits and right of entry documents have been procured.  This data will confirm whether insitu material can be used, and what construction procedures will be utilized to build the earthened levees.

The St. James Parish Council was contacted to determine if any current or planned projects could be coordinated with the proposed levee.  It was determined that there were no projects proposed or planned that would impact the location of the proposed levee.  There are, however, two (2) projects proposed that will impact the internal drainage characteristics of the basin.  These projects will have to be incorporated into the detailed drainage modeling program.

Schedule: The initial study was begun and completed in FY06.  The second phase (the Final Alignment) was begun in FY06, and fieldwork was completed in 4th quarter of FY07.  It is the intention that the modeling of the drainage area should begin in FY08.

Funding:  Funding for this project has been entirely borne by the PLD.  It is the intention of the PLD to seek federal reimbursement for portions of this project at the appropriate time.

Presently the Army Corps of Engineers is working with the PLD to determine feasibility and commence the project management plan phase for this project.