Shaw Environmental and Infrastructure Inc. has been given a $695-million contract to build the Inner Harbor Navigational Canal surge-reduction project. The floodgate-type structure is being built in conjunction with the closure of the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet to upgrade protection from hurricane-driven high water.

The structure is being built where the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway meets the MRGO, generally between Paris Road and the shore of Lake Borgne from eastern New Orleans to St. Bernard Parish.

Construction of the project is 100 percent federally funded. After construction is complete, the state will be responsible for operation, maintenance, rehabilitation, replacement and repair of the project.
The design-build contract also includes an “advance measures” requirement, a construction feature that will reduce the risk in metro New Orleans, eastern New Orleans, the Lower Ninth Ward and St. Bernard Parish.

Over the next four months, the Corps will complete its environmental compliance requirements, which will include several public meetings. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the public will have the opportunity to continue providing input on the ultimate location and the full design of the project.

After the Corps completes the NEPA process, construction will begin.
The Shaw team consists of: INCA/Gerwick, Linfield Hunter & Junius and Eustis Engineering of Metairie; Boh Bros. and J. Ray McDermott of New Orleans; Cajun Constructors of Baton Rouge; and M.R. Pittman of Harahan.

Source:NOCB