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SLFPA–West describes West Closure Complex readiness and levee work; officials say system ready for surge season
Summary
The West Bank flood authority briefed the committee on its West Closure Complex, pumping capacity and levee maintenance program and said the system performed as designed during recent high-surge events; officials reported active levee lifts and continuing maintenance.
Representatives of the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority–West told the Joint Transportation Committee on Aug. 19 that the West Bank’s major closure complexes and pump stations are exercised regularly and are ready for the peak of hurricane season.
Regional director Jesse Noel described the West Closure Complex as the linchpin of the system — a structure with a 225‑foot opening and nine pumps that together move tens of thousands of cubic feet per second when exercised — and said the complex, along with the Biasinette and Harvey complexes, protects populated areas of Belle Chasse, Algiers and West Jefferson Parish.
Noel told the committee the district maintains 80 miles of levees and flood walls, operates 67 flood gates and 35 drainage valves, and performs regular exercises that test the large pump stations and gate closures. He also described ongoing levee-lift projects and an effort to seek federal partners to lift additional sections to maintain design elevations.
Why it matters: The West Closure Complex anchors protection for large, populated West Bank areas and the authority told lawmakers the facility must reliably close in a storm. Officials described the system as tested and ready but said continued investment and levee lifts are needed because levees settle over time.
What’s next: SLFPA–West said it will continue levee-lift work, bid and implement repairs and keep the committee apprised of project schedules.
