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Comite River Diversion shows rapid progress; commissioners warned $255M East Baton Rouge project remains at risk
Summary
Commissioners heard that construction on the Comite River Diversion Canal has accelerated, with diversion-structure work advancing rapidly; Paul Sawyer warned the East Baton Rouge 5‑Bayous Corps project faces design, cost and EIS delays that could jeopardize roughly $255 million in authorized funding.
Construction at the Comite River Diversion Canal is moving quickly, Paul Sawyer told the Amite River Basin Commission on July 14, describing rapid progress on the diversion structure and guide levee and inviting commissioners to schedule site visits.
"Construction progress on that is remarkable," Sawyer said, noting piles are being driven and bridge and utility relocations are proceeding. He recommended commissioners view drone photos and site images ARBC will circulate and suggested regular field trips so board members can see the project firsthand.
Commissioners pressed Sawyer about a separate, larger Corps project for East Baton Rouge Parish — the so‑called 5‑Bayous project — and Sawyer cautioned that the Corps has encountered cost‑and‑design complications that have stretched environmental reviews and forced retooling. He said the Corps originally used a 1999 cost estimate (inflated) that proved insufficient as development in the watershed altered project conditions.
"When the Corps got into it and started designing... they realized properties had been developed, neighborhoods had been developed... they had to go back and redesign the project to fit the budget," Sawyer said, adding the Corps may need to value‑engineer the work to achieve measurable benefits within the existing funding.
Why it matters: Commissioners called attention to the risk that delayed or re‑scoped Corps work could mean losing project‑specific congressional appropriations. Sawyer said the East Baton Rouge project is vulnerable and could see its roughly $255 million authorization reduced or reallocated if it remains stalled.
Public engagement and transparency featured in the discussion: resident Monte McNutt urged the commission to publish photos, timelines and expenditure summaries so the public can track progress and understand where money has been spent. Commissioners pointed to the Comite River Task Force and ARBC social channels as sources of regular updates and said the Corps also posts periodic images.
Next steps: Sawyer said ARBC will continue discussions with the Corps and DOTD, circulate visual progress materials, and schedule field visits for commissioners and stakeholders.
