In 2018, West Jefferson voters passed a millage to help provide more comprehensive hurricane protection for the West Bank. In January 2019, the funds began to come in, allowing SLFPA-W to maintain and operate the West Closure Complex, as well as lift levees. Higher levees result in lower flood insurance rates for most home and business owners. For the first time in history, the West Bank has comprehensive hurricane protection. The levees must be raised every seven to ten years for optimum maintenance. Levees can help stop storm surge from entering the system when there is a hurricane or tropical activity in the Gulf. Armoring is another method of flood protection, effectively protecting the levee from extreme erosion in the event of high-water levels. Working with the Army Corps of Engineers, SLFPA-W helps to oversee the armoring of the levees on the West Bank.
