[StBernard] Council Supports Lake Borgne Bank Stabilization Project

[Westley Annis]

Council Supports Lake Borgne Bank Stabilization Project 

December 7 , 2005

By: Steve Cannizaro


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Council supports Lake Borgne bank stabilization project; votes to activate
new Housing, Redevelopment and Quality of Life Commission

St. Bernard Parish is in the running among stiff competition for a 
federally-funded $10 million bank stabilization program on Lake Borgne at 
Shell Beach and Bayou Dupre.

The Parish Council, meeting Tuesday, Dec. 6, passed a resolution approving 
the parish as a sponsoring agency for the proposal.

Chris Williams of the Coastal Restoration division of the state Department 
of Natural Resources told the Council that under the program rocks would be 
placed at the water's edge to stabilize the bank of Lake Borgne. The project

would have about a 20-year lifespan, he said.

Williams also said the proposal is among 14 projects in coastal areas 
totaling $200 million. But the projects are vying for a share of $49 million

available in federally-funded money, making the process highly competitive 
because only a few will be chosen, Williams said.

Parish President Henry "Junior'' Rodriguez said, "We've been fortunate'' in 
being awarded such projects.

The decision could come at a meeting Wednesday, Dec. 7 at the Corps of 
Engineers, officials said.

Council Chairman Joseph DiFatta and members Craig Taffaro Jr., Kenny 
Henderson, Mark Madary and Judy Hoffmeister supported the project.

Council member Lynn Dean opposed it, saying the money spent wouldn't stop 
coastal erosion.

DiFatta said it would be important to maintain the shoreline against erosion

on the Lake Borgne side of the Mississippi River - Gulf Outlet.

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After a period for a public hearing, the Council passed an ordinance on 
Tuesday activating the St. Bernard Parish Housing, Redevelopment and Quality

of Life Commission, appointing themselves as seven members of the new board 
of commissioners.

The commission was approved last summer in the Legislature, with the backing

of Rodriguez, the Council and Sheriff Jack Stephens, as a means to fight 
blighted areas in the parish.

Only Dean voted against activating the board. Madary, who has voiced 
oppositionin the past, said he wants a voice in what the board does.