‘We need a permanent solution,’ St. John the Baptist Parish residents frustrated about ongoing flooding

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH, La. (WGNO) — St. John the Baptist Parish residents are fed up with the flooding, and many said it’s been a problem for as long as they can remember.

“Rain flooding is mostly caused by the weak drainage, and it needs to be updated severely and quickly. Or people will keep losing houses and cars because the flooding is just going to be there,” said LaPlace resident Nicholas Rose.

“Nothing has been done seriously. I feel they put bandages on situations instead of finding solutions to problems. The neighborhood I grew up in which is a new area is always flooded,” said Garyville resident Scott Hession.

Parish President Jaclyn Hotard told WGNO that they received five to six inches of rain with almost three inches falling within an hour, outpacing all of their pumps and retention capacity.

However, for Josh Payne, the flooding has become costly. This is the second time this month that repairs are needed on his home.

“I just had this replaced and mudded and I called my contractor today. He was going to come in and paint. Now he has to stop because once again I have to cut the sheetrock,” said Payne.

The parish is conducting a comprehensive drainage master plan to learn more about the flooding hot spots and address the problems.

Residents hope to move forward, and that the parish will be proactive rather than reactive.

“We need to start fixing the drainage issue before people flood. Unfortunately, I have flood insurance but how long am I going to have it if I make two claims this month?” said Payne.

“This is definitely one of the few things that would discourage you from wanting to be here or new people coming here when they hear the horror stories. It’s just disheartening to have to continue to deal with this,” said Hession.

Residents who have had water in their homes on Jan. 24, can call (985)-652-6338 to report so the parish can assist.

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