Sediment Diversion Report Released

A new report released earlier this week by Dr. Loren C. Scott & Associates, Inc. details the regional economic impacts of building the Mid-Barataria and Mid-Breton sediment diversions.

The report, “The Economic Impact of Constructing the Mid-Barataria and Mid-Breton Sediment Diversion Projects” showcases how local and state businesses, governments and residents will benefit economically during the combined seven-year period between 2021 and 2027 when these projects are being built.

The analysis indicates that the construction of these projects, totaling $1.85 billion over seven years, will have significant economic benefits within Plaquemines Parish and regionally.

“The positive economic impacts of constructing the Mid-Barataria and Mid-Breton sediment diversions will be significant and will be felt within Plaquemines Parish and across the broader region,” said Dr. Loren Scott, President of Dr. Loren C. Scott & Associates, Inc.

“These projects will not only help defend our parish and regional against the worst impacts of flooding, they will provide real economic opportunities for businesses and real jobs for residents,” said Steve Cochran, Campaign Director for Restore the Mississippi River Delta. “Louisiana is taking its biggest challenge and turning it into jobs and economic opportunity.”

The two sediment diversions are currently in engineering and design and will be located on either side of the Mississippi River in Plaquemines Parish.

Once built, these coastal restoration projects will be operated strategically to deliver sediment, freshwater and nutrients from the Mississippi River to build and maintain tens of thousands of adjacent wetlands over time.