Ecosystem Restoration as Infrastructure–MRGO, Part 4

 

Location of Closure Dam across MRGO

 

 

In December 2008 the Corps of Engineers issued it feasibility study for the closure of MRGO. A rock closing dam would be built across the channel south of Bayou la Loutre. Construction should be completed by June 2009 and turned over to the State of Louisiana for operation and maintenance. 

 

Location of Marsh Restoration

A marsh would be built at the funnel, the intersection of MRGO and the Intracoastal Canal, the place that funneled Katrina’s storm surge into New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward.  

The shoreline of Lake Borgne would be shored up at the mouths of Bayou Bienvenue and Bayou Dupre, and at old Shell Beach to the south. Wetlands in the MRGO/Lake Borgne complex will be nourished.

The plan will creat, nourish, and protect 3,867 acres of wetlands over a 50 year period at a cost of $62,400,000.

This material shows no effort to fill in MRGO’s channel. However, a draft plan that will include marsh creation, shoreline protection, barrier island restoration, and Mississippi River freshwater diversions is expected in December 2009.

Once de-authorization is complete, the Coast Guard will remove all navigation aids. The land will be returned to the original owners.