Multi-Layered Defenses

Coastal Louisiana is an example of a very low-profile coastal area characterized by relatively newly deposited delta sediment (less than 10 thousand years) of the Mississippi River delta. Land loss has been ongoing at a rapid pace over the past century, peaking in the late 20th century and is currently occurring at a rate of approximately 10 – 20 square miles per year. The communities in coastal Louisiana are all at risk to storm surge inundation, to varying degrees. We have already looked at New Orleans in detail, and seen that it has a system of flood defenses recently upgraded after Hurricane Katrina. Many smaller communities that are located close to the Gulf of Mexico have no protection from federally funded flood protection. Many have levees built and maintained at a parish level. New federally-funded hurricane protection levees such as the Morganza to the Gulf levee system are planned to protect towns such as Houma and Thibodaux, but some small communities such as Cocodrie and Isle De Jean Charles will not be within the footprint of this levee. It is not feasible in terms of available funding and engineering options to protect some communities. This presents a dilemma for many communities.

• Isle de Jean Charles Example
• University Park ONLY: Formative Assessment
• Learning Check Point