Good news for south Mississippians, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will not be opening the Bonnet Carré Spillway amid flood concerns in Louisiana.
Last week, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann appealed to the federal agency to explore all possible alternatives to opening the spillway as forecasts warned of possible Mississippi River flooding. However, things took a turn for the better on Tuesday as experts dispelled the potential of freshwater being introduced into the Mississippi Sound when confirming predicted river levels will not necessitate the spillway’s opening.
The Bonnet Carré sits in Laplace, Louisiana, near New Orleans. Its past openings had detrimental effects on marine life in the Mississippi Sound and bludgeoned the local economy, prompting officials and businessmen to join forces in seeking legal action against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Now, with river levels slated to drop in Louisiana, a potential crisis has been averted.
Over in Vicksburg, the Mississippi River crested above flood stage on Monday. According to the Warren County Emergency Management team, floodwaters were spotted covering some roads in the River City. Water levels remain in the moderate flood warning stage in the area at this time. However, folks can expect the levels to recede in the near future.
RELATED: Army Corps of Engineers preparing to take flood control measures along Mississippi River
Earlier this month, Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs declared a state of emergency due to the Mississippi River’s quick rise. The Army Corps of Engineers and other agencies worked to implement flood-fighting efforts. By May 14, the large body of water is projected to drop below the action stage, bringing a sigh of relief to area residents.
