ARBC Advances Major Flood Projects and Launches March 2026 Flood Awareness Month

Livingston, LA – At its monthly meeting yesterday, the Amite River Basin Commission (ARBC) reported progress on major flood risk reduction efforts and announced new steps to strengthen preparedness across the Amite River Basin. The Commission highlighted updates on the Bayou Manchac and Ward Creek Realignment Project and the Upper Amite River Restoration Project, proclaimed March 2026 as “Flood Awareness Month,” and previewed additional actions it expects to advance during Flood Awareness Month.

“The ARBC takes steps every day to make the Capital Region safer from flood risk,” said ARBC President John Clark. “From major projects like Bayou Manchac, Lower Amite Sediment Removal, the New River Pump and St. James Connector Levee, to more targeted steps like those outlined today, we are working every day to protect lives, homes, businesses, and communities in the Amite River Basin.”

Bayou Manchac and Ward Creek Realignment Project

ARBC Commissioner Fred Raiford reported that the Bayou Manchac and Ward Creek Realignment Project model is now under review at the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development—an essential final step before the project can advance into design, permitting and later construction.

“This is a big issue for East Baton Rouge Parish—it’s a big project,” Raiford said. “It also delivers major benefits for Ascension Parish and Iberville Parish, and even parts of Livingston Parish. It’s taken a while, but I think we’re really moving in the direction we need to be. I’m excited about it.”

The project is designed to improve drainage across the Bayou Manchac watershed, serving Ascension Parish, East Baton Rouge Parish, Iberville Parish, and the City of St. George through an intergovernmental partnership. Bayou Manchac is a major project in the ARBC Master Plan.

Upper Amite River Restoration Project

President Clark reported that the Upper Amite River Restoration Project has completed project due diligence and is in final review with the state Office of Facility Planning and Control (FP&C). Following FP&C approval, ARBC can complete acquisition of the project area and proceed to restoration.

The project is designed to reduce basin-wide flood risk by restoring natural river and floodplain functions to slow, store, and safely convey floodwaters while improving drainage performance throughout the Amite River system. Upper Amite River Restoration is a major project in the ARBC Master Plan.

March 2026 is Flood Awareness Month

With unanimous Commission support, President Clark proclaimed March 2026 as “Flood Awareness Month,” citing the scale of flood risk facing Louisiana households, the need for practical steps residents can take to protect homes and businesses, and the importance of individual preparedness.

Flood preparedness begins with a plan. Residents can learn more at GetAGamePlan.org. View Proclamation HERE.

“ARBC is calling on parishes and municipalities to likewise proclaim March as Flood Awareness Month,” Clark said. “Doing so improves Community Rating System points, which contributes to lower flood insurance premiums. We salute the cities of Central and Gonzales for already promoting this awareness.”

Flood Risk Reduction Actions Considered

Separately, the Commission considered proposals aligned with ARBC Master Plan goals and Louisiana Watershed Initiative priorities, including: expanding Community Rating System (CRS) support for local governments; deploying a real-time forecasting and early warning capability for emergency managers; strengthening data and model integration to expand public access and transparency; and delivering hands-on training to improve grant management and project delivery. Commissioners will refine these proposals and advance them during Flood Awareness Month.

About the Amite River Basin Commission

The Amite River Basin Commission coordinates regional flood risk reduction efforts across the Amite River Basin and advances projects and actions identified in the ARBC Master Plan. ARBC works in partnership with state agencies, parishes, and municipalities to protect lives, property, and communities through planning, data-driven decision-making, and implementation of priority flood mitigation projects. For more information, visit the ARBC website.