Leeville $1.1M public boat launch construction begins

Construction on a $1.1 million public boat launch in Leeville will commence this week, according to Lafourche Parish officials.

Once the first phase is complete, the Leeville Boat Launch will be able to accommodate approximately 60 trucks with boat trailers while offering two 30-foot wide concrete ramps and a kayak launch from its site near the old Leeville draw bridge, parish spokeswoman Loralei Gilliam said.

“Upon completion of this project, Lafourche will offer nine free boat launches, from Leighton in the north to Port Fourchon in the south, to residents and visitors alike,” Lafourche Parish President Charlotte Randolph said. “These facilities enhance recreation in Lafourche, and offer fishermen and families opportunity to enjoy our beautiful waterways.”

Lafourche Parish Government put forth $413,000 from its recreation fund, an amount supplemented with a $487,000 federal grant via the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ Wallop-Breaux fund and a $200,000 appropriation from the Lafourche Port Commission.

“The Greater Lafourche Port Commission is pleased to be a project partner on this major investment in our Parish’s infrastructure, and we very much look forward to seeing more residents and visitors alike out on the water enjoying our amazing environment,” GLPC Executive Director Chett Chiasson said.

Supporters say the free launch will draw recreational fishermen to Leeville, a place known for its fishing bounties, and generate economic gains for existing businesses. The once-thriving town sits outside the south Lafourche ring levee system and is bypassed by the elevated La. Highway 1 that provides passage to Fourchon and Grand Isle.

Cut Off-based Picciola and Associates is the project’s architect, and the parish council in February approved a contract for Coastal Marine Contractors, of Slidell, to build the launch.

Officials also plan to construct a handicap-accessible fishing wharf in conjunction with the launch. That project will be funded with a $500,000 state grant secured by state Sen. Norby Chabert, Gilliam said.

Parish officials continue to discuss with the Coastal Conservation Association the construction of a coastal fisheries reef that would attract fish to the area, Gilliam said.

“I believe this will be a huge impact to the Leeville economy,” said Janet Rhodus, of the nonprofit Launch Leeville. Rhodus said the wharf, once complete, would be particularly alluring. “To offer public pier fishing without having to go to Grand Isle, will be a huge gain for the Parish. Right now, Jefferson Parish is reaping the benefits. It’s time Lafourche Parish make money off of sales tax created by the same recreational fishing enthusiast.”