Morganza Control Structure Procedures Proposed

September 18, 2014

Beginning next week, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, will host public meetings to discuss proposed operational procedures for the Morganza control structure in future flood events.

Based on lessons learned from the historic Mississippi River Flood of 2011, the Corps of Engineers has developed proposed clarifications to the standing instructions for operation of the Morganza flood control structure.

USACE is committed to gathering public input on these proposed clarifications to the standing instructions and will be hosting three informational meetings.

Public meeting details are as follows:

When: Tuesday, September 23, 2014
6:00 to 6:30 p.m. – Open House
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Presentation, Question and Answer Session

Where: St. Martinville
St. Martin Parish Government Building
301 West Port Street
St. Martinville, LA 70582
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When: Tuesday, September 30, 2014
6:00 to 6:30 p.m. – Open House
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Presentation, Question and Answer Session

Where: Morgan City
Morgan City Auditorium
728 Myrtle Street
Morgan City, LA 70380

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When: Thursday, October 2, 2014
6:00 to 6:30 p.m. – Open House
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Presentation, Question and Answer Session

Where: Baton Rouge
Capitol Park Welcome Center
702 River Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70802

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The proposed clarifications to the standing instructions will help ensure safe operation of the Morganza control structure during a flood event and prevent unnecessary stress on mainline Mississippi River levees.

As proposed, the Morganza control structure would be operated when a 10-day forecast projects a Mississippi River flow of 1.5 million cubic feet per second and rising past the structure.

The structure would be operated to maintain a water stage of 57 feet on the river side of the structure, and a Mississippi River discharge rate that does not exceed 1.5 million cubic feet per second below the floodway.

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Press Release, September 18, 2014