The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, will provide an update at public meetings on the draft integrated General Reevaluation Report (GRR) and Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) entitled “Mississippi River Ship Channel, Gulf to Baton Rouge, Louisiana”.
The purpose of the study is to evaluate alternative plans (including the no-action plan) for the next phase of construction which would deepen the Mississippi River Ship Channel (MRSC) from the current 45 feet depth to a depth of 50 feet.
The current depth of the MRSC results in the need for vessels such as bulk carriers and tankers to light load to navigate the channel and reach the ports.
This results in increased transportation cost.
High shoaling rates also result in an increase in sediment deposition, which creates maintenance inefficiencies, and increases dredge cycles.
Public Meetings Details
December 6
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Presentation, Q&A and receipt of public comments,
DOTD Building, 1201 Capitol Access Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70804.
December 14
10 a.m. to noon, Presentation, Q&A and receipt of public comments
The USACE’s District Assembly Room, 7400 Leake Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70118.