News Brief

Bayou Plaquemine waterfront projects tour
set for Friday, Nov. 17th

Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Atchafalaya Basin Program (ABP) and City of Plaquemine will host a fall tour for Phase II of the Plaquemine Bayou Waterfront Park and the Bayou Plaquemine freshwater diversion project Friday, Nov. 17, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. at 57845 Foundry Street.

Waterfront Park is one of the most popular attractions in the area with boat docks, fishing areas, an extensive boardwalk and park area. This second phase of the waterfront park project included a gateway entry structure, an overlook/pavilion facility, grading and drainage improvements, parking areas, and handicap accessible sidewalks.

The second phase of the freshwater diversion project included two submersible pumps located on the flood side slope of the Mississippi River levee.  The pumps will allow water from the Mississippi River to travel through pipes over the levee and into Bayou Plaquemine through the old Plaquemine locks.  The project will allow freshwater into Bayou Plaquemine to improve the aquatic habitat and prevent long-term stagnation.

DNR, City of Plaquemine, and U.S. Corps of Engineers provided funding of $4.4 million for both projects through a federal, state and local cost-share agreement.