LEGISLATURE APPROVES ARBC ANNUAL PLAN

April 16, 2025|Press Releases

Benchmark plan sets stage for transformational projects

Baton Rouge, LA – the Amite River Basin Commission (ARBC) 2025 Annual Plan was unanimously approved today by the Senate Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee. The House Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee unanimously approved the plan on April 14. 

The Annual Plan sets forth all the major projects and initiatives that will take place in the Amite River Basin for fiscal years 2025, 2026, and 2027, which include, but are not limited to $100 million investments in: 

• Upper Amite Flood Risk Reduction and Restoration (Livingston, St. Helena and East Feliciana Parishes) – Improve storage function of the floodplain, reduce sediment transport and restore habitat. 

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• Bayou Manchac Flood Risk Reduction (East Baton Rouge Parish) – Clear debris, sediment deposits, realign Ward Creek and replace Perkins Rd. Bridge. 

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• New River Water Management Pump Stations (Ascension Parish) – Construct new channels in Ascension to conduct flows to a new pump station at the confluence of the New and Mississippi Rivers, removing flood waters to the Mississippi. 

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• Lower Amite Channel Restoration (Livingston Parish) – Restore natural draining capacity of the Lower Amite by removing excess sediment accumulation. 

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• St. James Connector Levee (St. James Parish) – Protect vulnerable communities by supplementing protection measures in the West Shore Lake Pontchartrain project. 

“The ARBC Annual Plan is our playbook for 2025 and the upcoming hurricane season. Folks need to know that we are laser focused on protecting lives, businesses and communities,” said ARBC President John Clark. “We are determined to see these projects completed ASAP.” 

“The ARBC Annual Plan demonstrates our commitment to results,” said ARBC Vice President Jack Harris. By partnering with our member parishes to complete these projects, we can deliver projects more efficiently. Once completed, these projects will provide the greatest protection ever in the Amite River Basin.” 

The 2025 Annual Plan can be viewed at www.amitebasin.org/annual-plan-1. 

The ARBC will soon release its Master Plan, which will be available for viewing on May 13, 2025. Open meetings will be scheduled to present to the public, which the ARBC will announce once scheduled.