[StBernard] SLFPAE & LBBLD Officials Finalizing Plan to Reduce Flood Protection Services In St. Bernard Parish

[Westley Annis]

so it's our way or the highway? how irresponsible. IMO, SLFPAE President Steve Estopinal and LBBLD Executive Director Nick Cali should RESIGN, since they can think of no other solutions
 
what about revisiting the cost share agreement with Orleans Parish since all these new and improved hurricane and tropical storm improvements benefit Orleans as well, if not more so since we have become Orleans flood valve.  what about cutting salaries of the administrators and keeping the staff that actually does the work during heavy rains.  how about something other than these threats
 
 
 
-----Original Message-----
SLFPAE and LBBLD Officials Finalizing
 Plan to Reduce Flood Protection Services in St. Bernard Parish  

For Immeadiate Release
May 4, 2015  
  
New Orleans, LA -  Officials of the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East (SLFPAE)  and the Lake Borgne Basin Levee District (LBBLD) are finalizing a LBBLD Flood Protection Services Reduction Plan following this past Saturday's defeat by St. Bernard Parish voters of the Levee District's additional millage for operation and maintenance of the Parish's hurricane and flood protection system. 
 
According to SLFPAE President Steve Estopinal, we have educated St. Bernard voters twice (December 6, 2014 and May 2) about the necessity for the additional operation and maintenance millage and its costs to homeowners and businesses. We also clearly outlined the immediate and long-term consequences should it fail.
 
"Apathy, reflected in the low voter turnout, and unwillingness by St. Bernard citizens to pay for flood protection is clear. Saturday's vote was a verification of public will. Certainly, we are disappointed about the outcome, but we must move forward. Our next step is to bring the Levee District's operations in line with our revenue," said Estopinal.    
 
Lake Borgne Basin Levee District Executive Director Nick Cali went on to say that citizens will immediately see a diminished readiness for the 2015 Hurricane Season and an increased potential for localized flooding during heavy rainfall, similar to what occurred last week, when the parish experienced the effects of a spring rain weather event. There will also be the issue of significant flood insurance rate increases resulting from the Levee District's inability to comply with federal standards. 
 
Cali said, "The people have spoken and we respectfully accept their decision. Unfortunately, they want us to operate an improved and expanded Post-Katrina flood protection system with Pre-Katrina dollars. We are committed to maintaining federal certification of levees and the new hurricane and flood control system. To accomplish this, we must make some very difficult decisions. We may be forced to reduce staff and pumping capabilities, which may result in street flooding during rain events. The Lake Borgne Basin Levee District has a legal responsibility to maintain and operate the new federal system. The failure of this millage, will require the Levee District to take drastic measures to meet that obligation."