Parish president highlights CC Road canal clearing and $59.4M in capital drainage projects

Parish President Jewell told the St. Charles Parish Council on Dec. 1 that crews have cleared overgrowth along the CC Road Canal to improve drainage and to prepare for two new pump stations that together represent a $33,000,000 investment.

"This canal along CC Road has always been an important drainage feature," Jewell said, explaining that clearing the canal allows crews to use standard excavators instead of placing smaller marsh equipment inside the channel.

Jewell also announced a groundbreaking for the Ormond Jack and Boar drainage improvements and described recent construction milestones: wing walls in place at one pump station and additional piles required at the second station after geotechnical findings.

The parish conducted a biannual emergency drill for Waterford 3 with FEMA and other agencies; Jewell said the scoring team remarked favorably on local interagency coordination.

Jewell distributed the parish's 2026 construction projects list and said projects affecting drainage, roads, pump stations and recreation total $59,390,520, noting that final costs will depend on bids and contractor pricing.

No formal council action was taken on the report; several related ordinances and budget items were considered separately later in the meeting.