General DNR News

DNR and Corps officials sponsored Buffalo Cove Ground Breaking

The Corps of Engineers and the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials recently gathered at Lake Fausse Pointe Park for the ground breaking of the first phase of construction for the Buffalo Cove water management project and the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Levee Road.

Participants gathered at the Lake Fausse Pointe Park pavilion for welcomes by local elected officials. The group traveled to the Sandy Cove landing for a boat trip to the entrance of Buffalo Cove. The point at the entrance to Buffalo Cove was recently designated as Skerrett Point in honor of Ben Skerrett, a long-time advocate of the restoration of the cove.

The first phase of the project consists of channel and sediment trap construction and spoil bank cutting on Bayou Eugene.

According to DNR Atchafalaya Basin Program (APB) Executive Director Sandra Thompson, the project is federally funded and the initial construction is estimated to be $3.2 million. DNR is the designated non-federal sponsor for the water management project. Thompson said the Corps and DNR will have a 75/25 percent cost-share for operation and maintenance upon completion.

The group enjoyed lunch at the Island Outpost, a recreational project constructed by Iberia Sheriff Sid Hebert for disadvantaged children to camp and fish at no cost.