The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ New Orleans District is advancing the New Orleans to Venice (NOV) Hurricane Protection project in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. This initiative is crucial for enhancing storm risk reduction in the region.
Objectives of the NOV Project
The primary goal of the NOV project is to fortify Plaquemines Parish’s levee system. This involves repairing and restoring the original project levees, speeding up the completion of unfinished sections, and strengthening critical components of the authorized project.
Location of NOV Federal Levees
The NOV federal levees are strategically positioned on Plaquemines’ east bank from Phoenix to Bohemia and on the west bank from St. Jude to Venice. This placement is key to providing comprehensive protection against hurricanes.
Construction of Drainage Canals and Levees
Currently, the USACE is focused on constructing approximately seven miles of new drainage canals and levees in the La Reussite to Myrtle Grove area. This construction is essential for the effective management of stormwater.
Building the Levee
USACE workers and their construction partners are diligently placing embankment material at the construction site. They are methodically building up layers of soil and material to form the levee, ensuring its strength and stability.
Project Completion Progress
As of now, 85% of the canal construction is complete, and about 50% of the levee has been constructed in this specific section. This progress is significant in moving towards the project’s completion.
Completion Schedule
The completion of this segment of the project is scheduled for the end of 2026. This timeline is crucial for ensuring that the region is better protected against future storms.