Residents of St. Charles Parish can take a deep sigh of relief as a new chapter begins in their long battle against flooding. The much-needed $10 million CN Railroad Culverts Project officially broke ground on Tuesday, a move expected to enhance the area's drainage infrastructure and reduce the instances of water inundation that have plagued the Ormond area for decades, according to the St. Charles Parish.
As detailed by the St. Charles Parish President Matthew Jewell, "Destrehan residents have dealt with flooding for far too long," and the groundbreaking marks a proactive step towards addressing this chronic issue. The aim is to allow more water to pass from the south to the north side of the railroad tracks, where the Destrehan No. 2 Pump Station continues its operations. The problematic drainage has been a sore point for the community, affecting both homes and businesses with repeated losses due to flooding.
This major investment promises to install three new 60-inch culverts and an additional two 54-inch culverts to aid in water transfer during heavy rainfall events. By employing the Jack and Bore method for installation, the project aims to ensure a minimal impact on the current railway operations and the nearby communities, as reported by the St. Charles Parish.
Financial support for this endeavor comes from a significant federal investment, with over $6 million funneled through the Community Development Block Grant Mitigation Program, as reported by the St. Charles Parish's official website. These funds, coupled with, local resources will cover the entirety of the project's costs. BLD Services, LLC has been tapped for the construction, with a twelve-month timeline set for its completion.
The community's anticipation for the finished project is palpable, as the undertaking promises a firm stance against the flooding that has historically disrupted lives in St. Charles Parish. With the wheels in motion, residents are looking forward to the successful completion and the prospect of a watertight future.
