Office of Conservation

GRAND TERRE ISLAND BEING REPAIRED

A barrier island nourishment and wetland creation project at Grand Terre Island located in southern Jefferson Parish is now underway. This project will make use of approximately one-half million cubic yards of material dredged from the Barataria Waterway to benefit the island. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Project Manager Rachel Wilson said that an overwash area created by the forces of Hurricane Andrew threatens to breach Grand Terre Island, leaving inland areas vulnerable to hurricanes and other storms. Another component of the project involves the placement of additional material along the northern edge of the island to promote the development of vegetated wetlands. DNR Coastal Restoration Division officials anticipate the project will significantly prolong the life of the island while at the same time enhancing back-barrier wetland habitat.

This project is being constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is projected to benefit a total of 158 acres of land, with approximately 125 acres restored and 33 acres in wetland creation.

The total cost of the project is $1,370,000. Federal government funding through Section 204 of the Water Resources Development Act provides 75% of the cost. The state is responsible for the remaining 25% amounting to $342,500 of the cost. Upon project completion and final accounting reports, the state will be reimbursed any funds in excess of its required contribution.

Editors: For more information contact Rachel Wilson, Project Manager at (504) 342-7591 or 1-800-267-4019 or Phyllis Darensbourg, Public Information Officer at (504) 342-8955.