Plaquemines Parish submitted a permit to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the project to increase the Eastbank back levees from Braithwaite to White Ditch. The scope involves design and construction to improve the back levees to an elevation of 12.5-feet.

Since the mean elevation is approximately 8.5-feet, the new work will improve the levee and provide an additional 4-feet of protection.

In 2008, Parish employees raised the back levee in Braithwaite near the St. Bernard Parish line. Hurricanes Gustav and Ike brought water just over the top, but the levee stood strong and did not breach.

“We’re glad to finally be getting this project moving forward to improve protection for the Eastbank,” said Parish President Billy Nungesser. “In order to actually turn dirt several hurdles have to be navigated, such as engineer and design, environmental assessment, and permitting. This process takes time and tends to frustrate those who will be impacted. But we’ve worked diligently to move this project forward as quickly as possible and we’re glad to finally be getting this project to where we can turn dirt soon.”

When completed, the levee improvements will give residents on the Eastbank better protection from storm surge.  It’s been talked about for the past five years and now we’re finally close to making it a reality,” said District 1 Councilmember Percy V. Griffin.