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City of Plaquemine holds ceremony for two waterfront projects

Louisiana Department of Natural Resources’ Atchafalaya Basin Program (ABP), the City of Plaquemine, and U.S. Corps of Engineers will host a groundbreaking ceremony for Phase II of the Plaquemine Waterfront Park and the Bayou Plaquemine freshwater diversion project Friday, April 30, 2004 at 10 a.m. at the Plaquemine lock state historic commemorative site at 57730 Main Street.

“We are extremely pleased that these projects are getting off the ground,” said Plaquemine Mayor Tony Gulotta. “The Bayou Plaquemine freshwater diversion project has been in the making for 11 years.”

Phase II of the waterfront park project will include a gateway entry structure, an overlook/pavilion facility, grading and drainage improvements, parking areas, and handicap accessible sidewalks. In addition, the park will have bulkhead access to the bayou edge for fishing, landscape improvements, and decorative fencing.

The freshwater diversion project will include 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.

Funding cost for both projects total $4.4 million through a federal, state and local cost-share agreement.

For more information, contact: La. Department of Natural Resources’ ABP Information Specialist Maureen Haik at 225-342-4681.

NOTE: This event will be held Friday, May 28, 2004 at 10:00 a.m.