Work to begin on part of $80M Louisiana floodgate project

CHARENTON, LA – AUGUST 21: The Atchafalaya River runs through the Atchafalaya Basin, the largest wetland and swamp in the United States, on August 21, 2019 in Charenton, Louisiana. According to the group Atchafalaya Basinkeeper, an organization dedicated to protecting the land, the Atchafalaya River has been gradually filling up with dirt, sand and silt. Along with threats from logging and oil and gas drilling, the sedimentation could to lead to the basins potential destruction. The Basin’s cypress swamps are adapted to withstand severe weather events, providing a buffer to slow storm surges from hurricanes and tropical storms. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

by: Associated Press

Posted: Jun 15, 2020 / 03:51 PM EDT

Updated: Jun 15, 2020 / 03:51 PM EDT

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FRANKLIN, La. (AP) — Work is set to begin on part of an $80 million project intended to help control backwater flooding in several southeastern Louisiana parishes.

News outlets report contractor Sealevel Construction Inc. received approval from officials in St. Mary Parish last week to begin constructing a permanent barge that would be placed in Bayou Chene to block water that backs up when the Atchafalaya River is high.

Officials have said the 400-foot barge gate will be swung into place when needed.

The barge is one part of the floodgate project, which will also include the construction of a flood wall and a levee.