Flood Protection 20 Years Post-Katrina

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Located 12 miles from Downtown New Orleans, the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal barrier is protecting vulnerable communities, such as the Lower 9th Ward, from dangerous storm surges. Also known as the Lake Borgne Surge Barrier, the 26-foot-tall, 1.8-mile-long protective infrastructure was constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers post-Hurricane Katrina.

“We looked at creating what we call a perimeter system. Let us cut out as much of the interior flood walls that we need, and we can stop surge on the outside,” says Ricky Boyett, US Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans.

Reflecting on the 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Operations Engineer for Flood Protection Authority East, Ryan Foster, says Katrina’s devastation would have been greatly reduced if the IHNC barrier system had been in place in 2005.

“Unfortunately, that barrier wasn’t there at the time of Hurricane Katrina. That resulted in some levees failing and causing widespread flooding through the city,” says Foster.

The ninth ward has been home to the Leugand family residence for multiple generations. Joseph Leugand says that after more than 40 years, he’s not afraid of the potentially dangerous storms.

I like what goes on here in the city. Everything that the dome has to offer… the second line and such. I feel pretty safe here,” says Leugand.

Although the barrier system reduces storm surge, it does not eliminate risks.

“It is a system that protects property. It’s not meant to protect life. No matter what, we urge the general public to have a plan in place. Be ready for storm season and be ready to listen to your local officials if they tell you to evacuate,” says Foster. “We encourage everyone to be ready.”

More information on hurricane preparedness can be found here.

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