A final environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Mississippi River – Gulf Outlet (MRGO) – Lake Borgne Wetland Creation and Shoreline Protection, Louisiana, project prepared by the US Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District is available for review.

Click the image above to view a larger version.

There are no substantive changes between the draft and final EIS. The Selected Plan would construct shoreline protection features along the Lake Borgne shoreline and restore and nourish wetlands in the MRGO and Lake Borgne estuarine complex. The Selected Plan, with a total estimated cost of $62,400,000 would initially create, nourish, and protect a total of 3,867 acres of wetlands.

A copy of the final EIS is available upon request. Please contact Dr. William P. Klein Jr.; US Army Corps of Engineers; Planning, Programs, and Project Management Division; Environmental Planning and Compliance Branch; CEMVN-PM-RS; P.O. Box 60267; New Orleans, Louisiana 70160-0267. Dr. Klein may also be contacted at (504) 862-2540, by email to mrgobkstab@usace.army.mil, or by fax to (504) 862-2088.

Since Hurricane Katrina, the USACE has engaged in four major initiatives regarding the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet (MRGO):

• MRGO Operations and Maintenance Appropriation - After Hurricane Katrina, the U.S. Congress passed two laws providing $75 million for operation and maintenance (O&M) activities targeting the protection, restoration or increased wetlands; and the prevention of saltwater intrusion or storm surge. USACE is in the process of implementing several ecosystem restoration projects under this appropriation including shoreline protection along the MRGO and Lake Borgne.
  
  
• MRGO Deep-Draft De-Authorization Report -  In 2006, the USACE began a study to de-authorize deep-draft navigation on the portion of the MRGO between the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) and the Gulf of Mexico. The Final Deep-Draft De-authorization Report was sent to Congress on June 5, 2008 officially de-authorizing the channel from the GIWW to the Gulf of Mexico and authorizing the construction of a rock closure structure, removal of aids to navigation, and disposition of real estate easements.
  
  
• MRGO Channel Closure -  USACE completed construction of the MRGO closure structure on 20 July 2009. The project initiated in January 2009 and finished three weeks ahead of schedule.
  
  
• MRGO Ecosystem Restoration Plan Feasibility Study -  USACE is also developing a comprehensive MRGO Ecosystem Restoration Plan as a supplement to the Deep-Draft De-authorization Report. The plan was authorized by the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 and will address the comprehensive restoration of the Lake Borgne ecosystem and areas affected by the MRGO navigation channel. Completion of the ecosystem restoration plan is anticipated in 2011.