ST. MARY PARISH, LA — Gov. John Bel Edwards recently joined the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) and the St. Mary Levee District for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Bayou Chene Floodgate. The permanent structure will prevent Atchafalaya River backwater flooding from impacting St. Mary, Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. Martin, Assumption, and Iberville parishes.

“This region has relied on temporary measures to prevent backwater flooding since the 1970s,” Edwards said. “With the completion of this decades-long effort, the people of St. Mary and the five surrounding parishes can rest easier knowing they’re protected by a permanent flood control structure. I applaud the collaboration between CPRA and the St. Mary Levee District that brought this important project to fruition.”

The $80-million floodgate is an investment from CPRA using funding from the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act and was built in partnership with the St. Mary Levee District.

“The completion of the Bayou Chene Floodgate is a gamechanger for the homes and businesses across this six-parish region,” said CPRA Chairman Chip Kline. “With its installation, nearly 30,000 residents will be protected from Atchafalaya River backwater flooding.”

“We are very thankful for all who had a role in making the Bayou Chene Flood Protection Project a reality,” said Tim Matte, Executive Director of the St. Mary Levee District. “As we dedicate this important project, we now can confidently deal with the challenges that a high Atchafalaya River brings to the six-parish area bordering the Lake Verrett Basin."