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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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