East Baton Rouge Parish Secures Funding for Watershed Projects
Baton Rouge, La. – May 27, 2021 – East Baton Rouge Parish secured about $14 million for watershed projects today to reduce flood risk in the community. The award is part of funding for local and regional projects through the Louisiana Watershed Initiative.
“Recent flooding in our community exemplifies why watershed projects like these are so critical,” said Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome. “East Baton Rouge Parish will continue to aggressively seek flood relief for our citizens with projects that improve drainage and flood storage. We look forward to collaborating with regional partners and the Louisiana Watershed Initiative going forward for additional flood mitigation solutions.”
$8.5 mill for Bayou Duplantier floodplain acquisition:
This project includes the acquisition of approximately 200 acres of natural forested floodplain land along Bayou Duplantier. This extends from near the downstream end of the LSU Lakes to the confluence with Ward Creek. The project will also include channel clearing of approximately 2 miles to remove restrictions. The acquisition of the property will prevent future development in this area and help with flood risk mitigation of the adjacent developed areas. The proposed project will preserve some of the existing floodplain as well as the natural channel conveyance path by preventing development in that area. This project will preserve the land’s existing wildlife habitat and provide possible future environmental recreational opportunities. The Parish will be responsible for maintaining the natural floodplain which will be limited to inspection and channel clearing as necessary to remove constrictions. Schedule: Estimated 1 year once permits are granted.
$5.7 million for Ward Creek floodplain acquisition in East Baton Rouge Parish:
This project includes the acquisition of approximately 140 acres of land along Ward Creek as an effort to preserve the floodplain and conveyance area of the channel. The acquisition of the property will prevent future development of this area and provide flood risk mitigation for adjacent developed areas. The land acquisition would provide East Baton Rouge Parish with security that the existing wetlands and floodplain will remain intact, prevent development in the floodplain and thereby mitigate potential increased risk of flooding throughout the area. Adjacent to BREC’s Airline Highway Park, the project has the potential to tie into future park improvements that are also intended to address mitigation needs of the Parish. Schedule: Estimated 1 year once permits are granted.
Also, East Baton Rouge Parish is seeking additional funding for watershed projects through the Louisiana Watershed Initiative, including projects along Dawson Creek and Jones Creek.
Media inquiries
Mark Armstrong
Chief Communications Officer
maarmstrong@brla.gov
Desk: 225-389-7957
Mobile: 225-505-2520
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