CPRA reports construction progress on Morganza to the Gulf lock complex and launches Grand Bayou Ridge marsh creation in Plaquemines Parish

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) told its board on March 19 that construction is advancing on major hurricane-protection and restoration work, including the Houma Navigation Canal Lock Complex — a key element of the Morganza to the Gulf system — and a 500‑acre-plus marsh creation and forested ridge project in Plaquemines Parish.

CPRA Executive Director Glenn Lidday said the authority currently manages “108 active projects, 39 in construction, 65 in engineering and design, and 4 in planning,” and that several projects have recently moved from design into construction. He described the Grand Bayou Ridge and Marsh Restoration Project as “a massive, 500 acre plus marsh creation and forested ridge project” that will proceed through the remainder of 2025 and is budgeted “close to $56,000,000.”

Why it matters: the Morganza to the Gulf system and the Plaquemines marsh work both combine habitat restoration with flood-risk reduction. Board members framed the lock complex as a multipurpose structure that will provide flood protection, salinity control, freshwater distribution and navigation control for Terrebonne and surrounding parishes.

Most important facts: board members and agency staff said the Houma Navigation Canal Lock Complex is being built in phases, with Phase 2 described as the largest component. CPRA said the complex includes sector gates on both inland and gulf sides, an operations area, control building and a 75‑foot access bridge. CPRA and partners reported that 68 vertical piles are installed to approximate tip elevation and another 18 are ongoing. CPRA’s presentation listed the Phase 2 construction cost at roughly $320 million and reported the project is about 20% complete with an estimated 3.5 years remaining.

Terrebonne levee‑district leaders and others who spoke credited Restore Act and state funds as primary funding sources. Mr. Alford, identified in the meeting as a local levee district leader, said the gate will stop saltwater intrusion and help redistribute fresh water across the system: “So having that wall there … it stops salt water. Everybody is excited about catching speckled trout in the intercoastal behind some of their houses, but, we hope that stops,” he said.

On Plaquemines Parish, CPRA said Weeks Marine was awarded the Grand Bayou contract and had begun building containment dikes and marsh‑buggy operations for sediment pumping. CPRA said it paired state surplus dollars with federal CWPPRA (Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act) funding and US Fish and Wildlife Service partnership to expand the project footprint. CPRA said completion is expected by December 2025.

Supporting details and partners: CPRA listed multiple engineering and construction partners on Morganza to the Gulf, including Terrebonne Levee District (construction management), C‑Lehi (contractor), Optum, GIS, Delta Coast, T Baker Smith and Tetra Tech, and said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been engaged on Reach A construction. CPRA noted that Corps work on Reach A will tie into state and local tie‑ins being built by levee districts and CPRA.

Board directions and next steps: CPRA said it will present its final FY2026 annual plan at the board’s April meeting for adoption and subsequent submission to the legislature. Staff said the Morganza to the Gulf lock complex will continue through phased construction and that additional work on reach tie‑ins and floodwalls is underway across Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes. CPRA said it will continue outreach and site visits with partners and the Corps as construction progresses.

Quotes in context: Glenn Lidday, CPRA executive director, said, “We’ve got a really good implementation update for you today,” and described the Grand Bayou project budget as “close to $56,000,000.” Mr. Alford, a levee‑district representative, described the lock complex’s expected operational and salinity benefits and estimated the remaining schedule: “we probably have another 3 and a half years, 3, 3 and a half years left on this project to have it built.”

What was not decided: the board received updates and did not vote on new construction contracts during the public portion of the meeting. CPRA said design and construction work will continue under existing authorizations and partner agreements.