Officials celebrate completion of Bayou Chene Floodgate

Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) and the St. Mary Levee District recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Bayou Chene Floodgate.

According to CPRA, this permanent structure will prevent Atchafalaya River backwater flooding from impacting nearly 30,000 residents in St. Mary, Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. Martin, Assumption, and Iberville parishes.

“This region has relied on temporary measures to prevent backwater flooding since the 1970s,” said Gov. John Bel Edwards. “With the completion of this decades-long effort, the people of St. Mary and the five surrounding parishes can rest easier knowing they’re protected by a permanent flood control structure. I applaud the collaboration between CPRA and the St. Mary Levee District that brought this important project to fruition.”

“The completion of the Bayou Chene Floodgate is a gamechanger for the homes and businesses across this six-parish region,” said CPRA Chairman Chip Kline. “With its installation, nearly 30,000 residents will be protected from Atchafalaya River backwater flooding.”

The $80 million floodgate is an investment from CPRA using funding from the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) and was built in partnership with the St. Mary Levee District.