Latest Mississippi River Delta news: Jan. 14, 2016
New state coastal restoration adviser wants to review sediment diversion plans
By Mark Schleifstein, The Times-Picayune. Jan. 13, 2016.
*features David Muth, National Wildlife Federation and Steve Cochran, Environmental Defense Fund
“Gov. John Bel Edwards’ new coastal adviser, Johnny Bradberry, has asked for a new review of the effects of proposed, major sediment diversions on fisheries and oysters and the fishers whose economic livelihood depend on those resources…” (read more)
More should be done for wildlife displaced by Bonnet Carre Spillway opening, Humane Society says
By Todd Masson, The Times-Picayune. Jan. 13, 2016.
“At its regular monthly meeting Thursday, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission ordered the closure of deer season in the Bonnet Carre Spillway with the opening of the bays that regulate water flow from the Mississippi River into Lake Pontchartrain…” (read more)
U.S. Corps of Engineers flood protection study no longer includes mandatory buyouts in southwest Louisiana; coastal officials relieved
By Amy Wold, The Advocate. Jan. 13, 2016.
“To the relief of some state coastal board members, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced Wednesday that a study on how to provide coastal restoration and flood protection to southwest Louisiana no longer includes mandatory buyouts of any property…” (read more)
US: LEGISLATION PAVES WAY FOR BAYOU RESTORATION PROJECT
By Dredging News Online. Jan. 14, 2016.
“US Senator David Vitter (R-La.) has announced that Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority of Louisiana will be receiving a grant of US$23,737,478 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for the restoration of Oyster Bayou Marsh in Cameron Parish…” (read more)
Proposed 2017 coastal restoration, levee budget is $687M
By Mark Schleifstein, The Times-Picayune. Jan. 12, 2016.
“Louisiana would spend $687 million on coastal restoration and levee projects in fiscal year 2017, with 60 percent of the money going to construction, according to a draft coastal annual plan to be presented to the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority on Wednesday (Jan. 13)…” (read more).
High water is still a danger
By Editorial Board Staff, The Houma Courier. Jan. 13, 2016.
“Residents across Louisiana are nervously watching the swollen rivers, hoping that we escape the current conditions with little or no damage to people or property…” (read more)
Edwards: Levees remain strong, containing rising river
By Greg Hilburn, Gannett. Jan. 13, 2016.
“VIDALIA — Gov. John Bel Edwards expressed confidence Wednesday that the rising Mississippi River will be contained within its levees after taking an aerial tour from Vidalia to Morgan City…” (read more)
Corps noting areas that need attention on Mississippi River levee; list is much shorter than 2011 flooding
By Amy Wold, The Advocate. Jan. 13, 2016.
“Before the Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers even reach their crests, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is compiling a list of repairs that will need to be done before spring flooding occurs in a few months…” (read more)
State, local officials push for $100 million floodgate near Morgan City
By Jacob Batte, The Daily Comet. Jan. 13, 2016.
“Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards plans to ask President Barack Obama to expedite a declaration of emergency and federal reimbursements to help pay for a temporary flood control project in Bayou Chene…” (read more)
Around-the-clock levee inspections begin ahead of Mississippi River crest in Baton Rouge
By Amy Wold, The Advocate. Jan. 12, 2016.
“The Pontchartrain Levee District started 24-hour patrols of levees Tuesday, including those going through East Baton Rouge Parish, less than a week before the Mississippi River is expected to reach its crest of 43.5 feet…” (read more).
Aerial video: See rushing water, big crowds at Bonnet Carre Spillway opening
By The Advocate. Jan. 12, 2016.
“Hundreds gathered at the massive Bonnet Carre Spillway in St. Charles Parish on Sunday morning to watch as it was opened for the first time in four years…” (read more)