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LAPLACE — Parish President Jaclyn Hotard is pleased to announce that the Louisiana Legislature recently approved $120 million for the West Shore Levee Project. This allocation is a result of a collaborative effort by Parish President Jaclyn Hotard, Parish Council, the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) and state officials.

“This is exciting news for St. John Parish and one that comes after an intense, collaborative effort,” said Parish President Hotard. “When I received notice that state funds for West Shore may be in jeopardy, I acted quickly by bringing forth a resolution of opposition to the Council and authoring a letter of opposition signed by fellow Parish presidents Matt Jewell and Pete Dufresne. This was truly a team effort.”

“This announcement is the result of the strong partnership among CPRA, President Hotard, and the state legislators who advocated tirelessly to secure the state funding needed to construct this critical protection project,” said CPRA Chairman Chip Kline. “The West Shore levee project will help protect the communities, homes, and jobs of 60,000 people in St. John the Baptist, St. James, and St. Charles Parishes and we look forward to breaking ground in the very near future.”

The West Shore Lake Pontchartrain Levee Project will consist of approximately 18 miles of earthen levees and floodwalls, four floodgates, two drainage structures,

and four pump stations along the alignment.Construction is slated for early 2021.

Stay tuned to sjbparish.com, St. John the Baptist Parish on social media and the Government Access Channel (15/99) for updates.