The St. Charles Parish Council approved a bid to construct Montz's first permanent pump station, a crucial step in shielding the area from the devastation of future flooding. The station will be integrated into the broader East Bank West Shore Hurricane Protection Levee System, addressing a longstanding vulnerability of the locale.
For many years, over 800 homes, dozens of businesses, and critical structures, like an electrical power plant and a fire station, have been at the mercy of the elements when faced with the prospect of flooding. The project is set to commence in the summer of 2025 and is expected to reach completion in roughly 18 months, according to information provided by St. Charles Parish.
The incoming Montz No. 1 Pump Station is designed to elevate the community's drainage capacity significantly, supplemented by an additional station, Montz Pump Station No. 2, which together will multiply the current system's pumping ability. "This project is a top priority in our Montz Drainage Master Plan and reflects years of dedicated strategic planning and the successful acquisition of CPRA funding to support the majority of construction costs," St. Charles Parish President and CPRA Board Member Matthew Jewell told St. Charles Parish. "This project represents more than just infrastructure—it delivers long-awaited peace of mind to the residents of Montz."
In terms of the project's funding, a sizable portion of the required capital, amounting to $10 million, was secured through the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board via an Intergovernmental Agreement. The remainder of the construction cost will be covered by local funds. Sealevel Construction, Inc., with a competitive bid of $13,479,955.00, was awarded the contract for the build, which was designed by GIS Engineering, LLC. Once operational, the new stations will not only provide practical drainage solutions but also represent a symbol of steadfast resolve by the community and its leaders.
