Freshwater Diversion

Central Wetlands Diversion and Wetland Restoration

  • Project TypeFreshwater Diversion
  • Project BasinPontchartrain-Maurepas Basin

This diversion will benefit the Central Wetlands Unit ecosystem east of New Orleans, an area destroyed by logging and by saltwater intrusion from the now-closed Mississippi River Gulf Outlet (MRGO). Once primarily a freshwater system dominated by bald cypress swamp and freshwater marsh, the predominant habitat type today is brackish marsh. Regional MRGO-area ecosystem restoration will help rebuild and sustain marsh and swamp, providing storm surge protection for New Orleans and nearby communities.