Construction Begins on New Orleans Lock Project

The USACE has begun construction on the $585-million replacement of the navigation lock on the Industrial Canal in New Orleans and is now enlisting community leadership to scope out a mitigation plan. Community input is needed because Congress not only approved the construction of a larger, modern lock, but also approved a $35 million Community Impact Mitigation Plan to be carried out during the 10 to 12 years of mitigation. "This project is moving forward after controversy and large, expensive changes - including the mitigation plan - made by the USACE in response to the community," said Col. Thomas Julich, commander, New Orleans District.