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Statewide flood-control office recommends six projects, estimates $289M in flood-damage reduction

Senate Joint Transportation, Highway and Public Works Committee · March 3, 2026

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Summary

The Statewide Flood Control Program presented six recommended FY26-27 projects (three rural, three urban) expected to provide an estimated $289 million in flood-damage reduction; staff said the selection committee evaluates benefits and cost ratios before ranking applications.

Lucas Johnson of the Statewide Flood Control Program presented the draft FY26-27 recommended construction program to the joint committee, describing six recommended projects — including work for Gretna, St. James Parish government and the City of Mandeville — and saying the package includes projects in both rural funding districts and the urban program.

Johnson told legislators the program's selection committee (which he said includes DOTD, CPRA, LSU geospatial staff and other entities) reviews applications, evaluates benefit-cost ratios and selects projects that remove identified structures from flooding. "All of these projects had structures that were removed from flooding," Johnson said, adding that the committee considers storm scenarios (25-, 50-year) and life-of-project needs when evaluating feasibility.

Johnson said the statewide program has completed 135 projects to date and expended about $320 million overall to date. Representatives from Lafourche Parish thanked the program for including watershed drainage improvements that protect schools and residential areas.

Committee members asked for clarity about project locations and the selection committee's membership; Johnson said a two-page handout and a more detailed recommended-construction program were distributed and that further details are available in the packet.

The committee did not take a vote on the recommended list during this session; staff said project summaries and statutory comment responses will be provided at the next roadshow presentation.