Corps Signs Record of Decision for Morganza Levee
The Army Corps of Engineers finalized its decision on the $6.5 billion Morganza to the Gulf hurricane levee system in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Safety
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The Army Corps of Engineers signed a record of decision on October 14, 2026, for the Morganza to the Gulf levee project, closing its supplemental environmental review. The Corps announced availability of the decision in the Federal Register on November 2, 2026.
Why it matters
The decision clears the 98-mile hurricane levee system to proceed after wetland loss, sea level rise, and land subsidence increased storm surge exposure behind existing levees. The project is designed against a storm with a 1% annual chance of occurring.
The project includes about 98 miles of earthen levee, 22 floodgates, 23 environmental water control structures, and a lock complex on the Houma Navigation Canal. The federal share is capped at $3.2 billion under a December 2021 partnership agreement.
The players
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
The federal agency responsible for designing, building, and maintaining major flood control and navigation infrastructure across the United States.
The details
The record of decision closes supplemental environmental review of the levee system in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes. The Corps opened the supplemental environmental impact statement in June 2024, and Reach A broke ground in October 2024.
Timeline
2007: Congress authorized $886.7 million for the project.
2014: Congress reauthorized the project at about $10.27 billion.
December 2021: A partnership agreement capped the federal share at $3.2 billion.
June 2024: The Corps opened the supplemental environmental impact statement.
October 14, 2026: The Mississippi Valley Division commander signed the decision.
Seasonal Patterns
The project was first authorized by Congress in 2007 at $886.7 million and reauthorized in 2014 at about $10.27 billion, reflecting rising cost estimates over time. The current $6.5 billion estimate is part of a continuing effort to reduce storm surge exposure behind Louisiana's coastal levees.
Residents of Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes should watch for construction timelines as the levee system advances. The project would protect about 52,000 structures and 200,000 people once complete.
The takeaway
Federal approval moves a long-authorized coastal defense project forward, but its cost has grown substantially since 2007. Completion will depend on continued funding and construction across multiple reaches of the 98-mile system.
What happens next
Reach A is projected to finish in 2026, marking the first completed segment of the levee system.
Further reading
For related coverage, explore Safety reporting on storm protection and flood defenses in Louisiana.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Environment+Energy Leader.
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