La. begins Rosethorne Tidal Protection project

The Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) has announced the start of Phase 1 construction on the Rosethorne Tidal Protection project. The $34 million project is the second of 10 high-priority flood risk reduction projects planned for the greater Lafitte area of Jefferson Parish.

The Rosethorne project’s first phase will include the construction of 10,300 linear feet of concrete-capped floodwall and floodgates at a 7.5-foot elevation. Upon completion, the Rosethorne project will provide additional protection from a 10-year rainfall or tidal event flood for the community of Rosethorne.

“Building on progress made by the Fisher School Basin project, the Rosethorne project is the next step in increasing Lafitte’s protection from tidal surge flooding and extreme weather,” said CPRA Chairman Chip Kline. “In total, more than $300 million will be spent to construct 29 miles of levees, floodwalls, and gated structures in the region. This level of investment is a game changer for the community of Lafitte.”

The Rosethorne project was preceded by the Fisher School Basin Project, which was completed in 2018 and added 3 miles of sheet pile and concrete cap floodwall to provide flood risk reduction to 450 acres of Lafitte, including more than 300 residential and commercial structures.

The project is a partnership between CPRA, the Lafitte Area Independent Levee District and the Louisiana Department of Transportation. Surplus funds from CPRA and DOTD, as well as Gulf of Mexico Security Act (GOMESA) and state Capital Outlay funds, will be used to finance Phase 1 of the Rosethorne project.

“With the devastation from last year from Hurricane Ida, it is exciting to see construction underway for the Rosethorne Basin Levee System,” said State Rep. Tim Kerner. “More construction will be coming in the near future with the Goose Bayou Basin, Lower Lafitte Basin, Crown Point Basin, and Pailet Basin.”

Circle Construction Company, headquartered in Belle Chasse, La., is the construction contractor for the project.