Hurricane Season Preparation
The Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority – West (SLFPA-W) began preparing for Hurricane Season this month by operating its sand bagging equipment. Although the West Jefferson and Algiers Levee Districts have a 100-year level of protection from hurricanes, SLFPA-W employees have to be prepared at all times in the event of a levee breach. The equipment pictured is capable of filling two 2,000 pound sandbags per minute.
Annual Full Scale Exercise of the West Closure Complex
The SLFPA-W held their annual full scale exercise of the West Closure Complex on May 11. Members of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the United States Coast Guard, the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority and Plaquemines Parish Government all participated in the exercise. The purpose of the exercise is to operate all the mechanical equipment, including running all 11 pumps, to ensure that everything is in working order and ready for hurricane season. The USACE also performs their annual inspection during this time and rates the complex based on their observations.
Levee Lift Progress
The WBV 16.2 levees in Westwego are complete and will be turned over to the USACE for armoring. The contract to lift the West Bank and Vicinity levees in Marrero, from Leo Kerner Blvd to the Old Estelle Pump Station, pictured in purple, was awarded to Pontchartrain Partners, LLC and work will begin next month.
