JEFFERSON, LA – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has committed $122 million to repair damages to the Grand Isle Federal Dune Project that were sustained during Hurricane Ida, which will include interim repairs, stone work and clay core restoration.
“$122 million from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is very big news for Grand Isle and we are grateful for this commitment to providing better protection,” said Jefferson Parish Council Chairman Ricky Templet (Division A). “I’d also like to thank House Republican Whip Steve Scalise for advocating for this critical funding so that we can repair our flood protection infrastructure. It’s heartbreaking to see what this community has gone through but they are resilient and now is the time to stand strong and rebuild.”
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced that $5 million will be dedicated to immediate repairs of the Grand Isle Federal Dune Project followed by installation of supersack sandbags in 12 different locations along the dune; $22 million will go towards the installation of 2,200 linear feet of stone dune core, repairs to existing breakwaters and the western jetty; and $95 million will fund the installation of 21,000 linear feet of clay-filled geotextile core on the western half, repairs to the sand-filled geo-tube on the eastern half, as well as restoration of the 7-mile dune and beach.
“The 2022 hurricane season is right around the corner and we are still recovering from the devastating impact of Hurricane Ida, especially in our low-lying areas of Jefferson Parish like Grand Isle,” said Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng. “This is huge step in recovery and we look forward to working alongside our federal and state partners to continue to rebuild and help protect our most vulnerable areas.”
According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, construction is scheduled to start on interim repairs in August 2022 to be complete between September and December 2022. Stone work is set to begin in February 2023 to be complete by November 2023. Construction for the final part of restoration, which includes the clay core, is scheduled to start in April 2023 to be complete in July 2024.
“100 percent of our homes and businesses in Grand Isle were hit hard from Hurricane Ida and 35 percent were totally destroyed, but we are going to make sure we come back better than ever before,” said Grand Isle Mayor David Camardelle. “We want to thank the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for their commitment to helping reduce future flood risks associated with tropical storm surge. This brings us closer to restoring and protecting our island for many generations to come.”
“The Grand Isle Federal Dune Project was constructed to act as a sacrificial dune helping reduce risks associated with tropical storm surge,” said Jefferson Parish Councilman Marion Edwards (District 1). “We all know that Hurricane Ida was a devastating storm that caused complete destruction to Grand Isle, but we are now focused on rebuilding for a brighter tomorrow.”
For more information about Jefferson Parish, visit www.jeffparish.net. Residents can also recieve regular updates by following the Parish on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@JeffParishGov) or by texting JPALERT or JPNOTICIAS to 888-777.
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