18.5M for Houma Navigation Canal Lock Complex

Gov. John Bel Edwards announced yesterday that Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) will receive an $18.5 million grant from the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (RESTORE Council) to complete the engineering and design of the Houma Navigation Canal (HNC) Lock Complex in Terrebonne Parish.

Once constructed, the HNC Lock Complex will provide several important benefits in the Terrebonne basin.

“This new era is signified by the implementation of projects that are large enough in scale to match the size of the problem we face,” said Gov. Edwards. “The Houma Navigation Canal Lock Complex is a prime example of how we are implementing projects that provide multiple benefits and are delivering on the Master Plan’s goals of flood protection, coastal restoration and a more resilient economy.”

“This is the type of project that has been envisioned for years, and we are pleased to finally move this critical project forward,” said CPRA Chairman Johnny Bradberry. “This project is a high performing Master Plan project and will complement previously implemented segments of the Morganza to the Gulf Hurricane Protection System funded through local and state efforts.”

This large-scale hydrologic restoration project will reduce saltwater intrusion, which has been a significant factor in generating high rates of land loss in coastal Louisiana. Additionally, this project will work synergistically with the Increase Atchafalaya Flow to Terrebonne project to help distribute and manage freshwater flow into Terrebonne basin and provide critical flood protection to the surrounding communities.

“This is great news for the people of Terrebonne Parish as this project will provide critical flood protection to us while also distributing freshwater to the Terrebonne Basin and maintaining navigation,” said Terrebonne Parish President Gordy Dove.

The HNC 110-foot complex will work in concert with the existing Bubba Dove Floodgate south of Dulac and will allow for the navigation of wider vessels heading to and from the Gulf of Mexico oilfield.

Additionally, this project will also provide critical flood protection to surrounding communities by blocking storm surge that could inundate Houma and other inland communities as a key component of the Morganza to the Gulf hurricane protection system.