FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Jim Addison or Julie Aitken

Construction has begun on New Orleans lock project
Committee to be established to scope out $35 million mitigation

NEW ORLEANS --

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun construction on the $585-million replacement of the navigation lock on the Industrial Canal in New Orleans and is now enlisting community leadership to scope out a mitigation plan.

Community input is needed because Congress not only approved the construction of a larger, modern lock - but also approved a $35 million Community Impact Mitigation Plan to be carried out during the 10 to 12 years of construction.

"This project is moving forward after controversy and large, expensive changes - including the mitigation plan - made by the Corps of Engineers in response to the community," said Col. Thomas Julich, commander, New Orleans District.

"Now it's time for community leaders to step forward and participate in forming the mitigation plan that is a direct result of community input. We earnestly ask for your help to put this $35 million to good use, and have hired a capable team to help establish and serve the needs of a community-based mitigation committee."

Approved by Congress. Lock replacement was authorized by the River and Harbor Act of 1956 and re-authorized by the Water Resources Development Act of 1986. The Community Impact Mitigation Plan was authorized by the Water Resources Development Act of 1996. The construction start was approved in the fiscal year 1999 appropriations bill.

Construction under way. The first contract was awarded in September 1999, for $1.6 million of pile testing to Boh Bros. Construction Co. of New Orleans. More contracts are scheduled for award in the months ahead.

Mitigation team hired. In September 1999, the New Orleans District hired a professional consulting team headed by Gregory C. Rigamer & Associates Inc. of Metairie (GCR) that also includes Metro-Source L.L.C. of New Orleans, the University of New Orleans' College of Urban Affairs, and New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity. A Statement of Consulting Role is attached.

Mitigation Committee. To represent community organizations and other stakeholders, a Community-Based Mitigation Committee will be established by the Corps and GCR. The Mitigation Committee will operate under a Partnering Agreement with the New Orleans District defining its objectives, rules and procedures. The agreement, or charter, will make it clear that the Mitigation Committee's role is to provide oversight and guidance to the New Orleans District to carry out the Community Impact Mitigation Plan. The Mitigation Committee will not be a forum where the merits of the project are debated.

Resources for Mitigation Committee. The GCR team will provide technical and professional resources to the Mitigation Committee. This will help the citizens on the Mitigation Committee to deal effectively with the Army Corps of Engineers.

Mitigation beginning early. Implementation of the Community Impact Mitigation Plan will begin early in the lock project. During its first six months, the Mitigation Committee will recommend the initial three years of the mitigation plan.

Please visit this related URL: IHNC Community Impact Mitigation Plan: Statement of Consulting Role

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