Plaquemines updates storm damage, FEMA outreach and mosquito-control supply after Francine

Parish administration briefed the Plaquemines Parish Council on Sept. 26 about damage and continuing operations after recent storm impacts (referred to in testimony as "Francine"). Officials reported breaches and scouring along levee segments (Myrtle Grove, Audubon Road area) and saltwater inundation that affected pump stations and water-treatment facilities in Port Sulphur and Venice.

Staff said they would inspect affected levee and pump sites, attempt to secure FEMA eligibility for repairs and coordinate with project managers and engineering consultants about grant and capital priorities. The parish president and department leaders said they were pursuing multiple grant and loan mechanisms for pump-station work and levee/dredging projects and that some grant pots could total millions of dollars.

Public works reported that sandbag and pre-storm preparation reduced impacts in several low-lying locations and that the parish's interconnect testing for saltwater response required limiting new demands on certain segments of the water system. Administration explained that testing valves and interconnects to maintain service to Port Sulphur required caution before approving additional RV or similar permits in hard-hit zones.

On mosquito control, staff reported operations had run out of chemical spray and had placed an expedited order for 250-gallon totes (totes to be overnighted once the purchase order is issued). The parish's aerial spray plane is operational and staff said they would post spray logs and schedules, weather permitting.

What happens next: engineering inspections and FEMA eligibility reports are expected in the coming weeks; mosquito chemical shipments will be expedited once the council completes a budget amendment vote.