Morganza vs. hurricanes, a year in transition

Things in Terrebonne Parish look markedly different than they did a year ago. Morganza to the Gulf has gained supporters from all levels of the spectrum and some of the area’s biggest projects are finally coming to fruition.

Despite the strides, local officials are still hoping this year’s hurricane season is not a total washout. Terrebonne Levee and Conservation District Executive Director Reggie Dupre explained that the parish, although undergoing major change, is in a transition phase. While some work has been completed, there is still a lot left to do.

“Obviously we are in better shape than we were for Ike and Gustav,” said Dupre. “But our [hurricane] protection will be much better in 2011.” If construction efforts are solidified on the Houma Navigational Canal floodgate, protection could be even more substantial in 2012, especially for those living in lower Dulac.

The clock is ticking, though, as hurricane season is currently underway in south Louisiana. “I hope we get a pass this year,” said Dupre.

A three-mile section of levee that runs between Bush Canal and Placid Canal, called H-3, is about 70 percent complete, he noted. A three-and-a-half mile extension to H-3, called H-2, is also being worked on and runs from Placid Canal to about half-a-mile south of Lapeyrouse Canal. Contractors were dredging portions of the area less than two weeks ago, according to officials.

Once complete, these levees will provide a buffer for the communities of Chauvin and Dulac.

The levee board will be accepting bids June 11 for receiving structures and floodwalls at Bush and Placid canals. Bids were recently awarded for barge structures at the locations, which should be completed by next year.

The group has also started working heavily with city leaders to improve the parish’s levee system. Since Hurricane Rita, the final phase of the Ward 7 levee, an 18-mile project, is nearing completion. Levees in Pointe-aux-Chenes have also been raised.

“All of these components are pieces of a puzzle, which are putting us in better shape than we were before,” explained Dupre. However, there are a few obstacles to overcome and a threatening situation in the Gulf of Mexico that is stepping on the toes of almost every parish official – oil.

BP has been unable to curb the flow of crude from the Deepwater Horizon rig, despite attempts by some of the world’s best minds to come up with a solution. Oil has been flowing from depths of 5,000 feet for more than 40 days. The call for help has not gone unheard. But it is the response, which is much needed, that could be slowing down progress closer to home.

Officials, including Dupre, have been waiting for the go ahead on permits for “Reach F,” a portion of Morganza that includes the HNC floodgate and about four-and-a-half miles of levee. State leaders have already approved the project. Now it is up to the Army Corps of Engineers, whose resources have been scattered throughout the region, to give the final word.

“These regulatory guys are so busy with the oil spill, they really don’t have the time to be dedicating to our permits,” said Dupre. That, he noted, could cause delays.