Senator: Corps Agrees to Conduct Independent Review (USA)

U.S. Sen. David Vitter yesterday said that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has agreed to conduct an independent analysis and review as to whether, and to what extent, the post-Katrina system contributed to flooding in areas like Plaquemines, St. John, St. Tammany and Tangipahoa parishes because of a funneling effect or similar impact.

The review will be done by the Louisiana Water Resources Council, an entity created by language Vitter authored in the Water Resources Development Act of 2007.

“I’m very pleased the Corps will heed our advice to get an independent review,” Vitter said. “The additional input and expert analysis will help us better determine the best steps forward on flood protection for all areas inside and outside of the post-Katrina system.”

Vitter previously asked the U.S. Corps of Engineers to get an expert, independent review on whether and to what extent the Hurricane Protection System put in place after Hurricane Katrina made flooding worse in parts of southeast Louisiana that are outside of the system because of a funneling effect or similar impact. He also addressed this concern with the Corps during an aerial tour of southeast Louisiana on Saturday, September 1 2012.

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Press Release, September 13, 2012