This freshwater diversion project stretches from the Atchafalaya River to the Houma Navigation Canal, which is part of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway system. Terrebonne Basin marshes are equally far away from the Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers and are blocked from significant amounts of river water and sediment. As a result of saltwater intrusion and sediment starvation, these marshes have been rapidly converted to open water. This project would dredge and deepen the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway to increase the flow of fresh water from the Atchafalaya River eastward, to help sustain northern Terrebonne Marshes.

Fish and Waterfowl Benefits

Over the last 50 years, while there’s been net land gain around the Atchafalaya River and Wax Lake Outlet, more than 250,000 acres of land have been lost in Terrebonne Bay. This project will increase freshwater input into northern Terrebonne marshes to sustain and protect freshwater marshes, benefitting important habitat for fish and wildlife, like the Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge where sportsman can crab, fish, hunt waterfowl, hogs and white-tailed deer.

Project Status: 
Conceptual > Feasibility & Planning > Engineering & Design > Under Construction > Completed