$85 million Project to Deepen Mississippi River

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 2020 Work Plan includes critical funding for infrastructure projects in Louisiana, including $85 million to deepen the Mississippi River to 50 feet, House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) announced yesterday.

“After years of hard work, I’m very glad that the Corps included over $160 million for critical infrastructure projects in Louisiana, including $85 million to deepen the lower Mississippi River to 50 feet,” Scalise said. “As home to the mouth of the Mississippi River, this is excellent news for Southeast Louisiana and our ability to move more commerce through the Port of New Orleans.”

Scalise also noted that the Mississippi River Basin has an “unprecedented” impact on the national economy, global competitiveness, and American job creation.

“This critical project also provides a dual benefit of rebuilding Louisiana’s vanishing coastline. Deepening the river will give the state the ability to take that sediment and use it to rebuild our coast, increasing lifesaving flood protection, he continued. “I applaud the Corps for advancing this project and for their commitment to maintaining our waterways which are not only vital to Louisiana’s economy, but also to our national economy.”

In April of 2019, Scalise discussed deepening the Mississippi River to 50 feet when he delivered testimony before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water in support of projects in Louisiana’s First District that will help provide lifesaving flood protections and boost the national economy.

Projects for Louisiana in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 2020 Work Plan include:

Construction Funding:

• $85.35 million to initiate construction of channel deepening for the Mississippi River to 50 feet.
• $18 million to construct disposal capacity containment dikes for the Calcasieu River and Pass.
• $500,000 to complete the Iberia Parish El Wastewater Improvements Master Plan.
• $40.58 million for the J Bennett Johnston Waterway.
• $2 million for Livingston Parish environmental infrastructure projects.
• $25 million for SELA Algiers Sub-Basin project.

Operation and Maintenance Funding:

• $5 million for Houma Navigation Canal dredging and maintenance needs.
• $850,000 for Bayou Lafourche for dredging and maintenance needs.
• $1.35 million for Mississippi River, Outlets at Venice for dredging and maintenance needs.
• $249.91 million for Mississippi River, Baton Rouge to the Gulf of Mexico, dredging and maintenance needs.