Louisiana
$320M Second Phase of Louisiana Navigation Canal Lock Complex Moves Ahead
The state of Louisiana earlier this month marked the start of construction’s second phase of the Houma Navigation Canal (HNC) Lock Complex. Officials estimate that the HNC’s system of levees, floodgates and locks will provide protection to roughly 2,000 sq mi of land and 200,000 residents in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes from storm surges.
“Today’s groundbreaking brings us one step closer to completing the Morganza-to-the-Gulf system and enhancing the protection against hurricanes and other major storms for the residents of Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes,” said Gordon Dove, chairman of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA), in a press release.
Acting as the state’s entity to develop, implement, and enforce measures of its protection and restoration Master Plan, CPRA is tasked with managing the construction of the project. The U.S. Corps of Engineers maintains the HNC itself and will retain operational responsibility of the lock complex structure when construction is completed.
Sealevel Construction, Inc., Thibodaux, La., was named the project’s general contractor. Slated for completion by April 2028, the project is estimated at $320 million. Kathleen Rodrigue, a company spokesperson, said Sealevel is responsible for the construction of the structural portion of the project, while Rigid Constructors of Lafayette, La., will lead dredging work.
While self-performing site work, Sealevel will additionally construct the coffer damns and two sector gates, with an estimated 55,000 cu yds of concrete. Sealevel will install pipe, timber, concrete and sheet piles, with the largest piling measuring 184-ft long and 30 in. in diameter.
The HNC Lock Complex will aim to prevent saltwater from entering the Terrebonne Basin while also distributing freshwater into estuaries to promote growth of thousands of wetland acres, improving conditions for wildlife and area fisheries.
“Coordination by state and federal agencies and elected officials at every level got us where we are today, breaking ground on the second phase of the HNC Lock Complex project,” said Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry in a CPRA press release. “I want to express my gratitude to everyone from Terrebonne, CPRA, the Corps, and our state and federal legislators for acknowledging that the communities, cultures and businesses thriving in south Louisiana are invaluable and must be continuously protected.”
The HNC Lock Complex, to measure 110 ft across and 800 ft in length, will feature inland and Gulf-side sector gates on each side and will connect to the Bubba Dove barge floodgate by a floodwall spanning the channel. Together, the structures will allow for large ship passage. In addition to constructing the lock chamber itself, Phase 2 components include construction of an operational area, control building and 175-ft access bridge. The contractor will dredge an estimated 135,000 cubic yards of material that will be used to shore up 15 acres of marsh habitat.
In a press statement, CPRA Board Member Anthony Alford said “It’s difficult to express just how exciting today is for the people of Terrebonne Parish and the surrounding ecosystem. This project has been in the works for well over a decade, and there have been times where I’ve wondered if I would ever see it completed.
“This project is the lynchpin of the entire Morganza-to-the-Gulf Hurricane Risk Reduction Project,” Alford added. “The ability to let fresh water flow freely throughout the canals and tributaries of Morganza that have been decimated by saltwater will breathe new life into these waterways and allow the areas to flourish once more.”
Yasin Gungor
19 April 2026•Update: 19 April 2026
At least eight children were killed and two others were wounded in a shooting in the US state of Louisiana, local police said Sunday.
Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Christopher Bordelon said officers responded to the shooting just after 6 am (1100GMT), following a domestic disturbance call.
The age of the deceased ranged from one to 14 years, he said, adding that the incident involved at least 10 individuals across four separate locations.
The suspect attempted to flee by carjacking a vehicle and driving to neighboring Bossier City, where police located and shot him dead.
Bordelon said Shreveport police officers pursued the suspect’s vehicle into Bossier, where three officers discharged their firearms, killing him. He said investigators believe the suspect was the only person who opened fire at the locations.
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux described the attack as “maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” adding: “It’s a terrible morning.”
No immediate information was available about the condition of the injured.
Louisiana
‘Growth pays for growth’: Entergy’s Fair Share Plus model to save Louisiana customers $2.8 billion
Think tank proposes capping Social Security benefits at $100,000
A Washington think tank proposed capping annual Social Security benefits at $100,000 for couples as a way to shrink a looming deficit in the retirement trust fund.
When it comes to retiring, the best places to do so often are affordable, have a high quality of life and access to quality healthcare.
If you’re looking for a place to retire, Niche has identified the best places for retirees in Louisiana.
In its list, Niche has taken into account factors like weather, crime rates, housing costs and access to amenities.
The 5 best places to retire in Louisiana according to Niche
These are the top five best places to retire in Louisiana, according to Niche.
1. Oak Hills Place
Oak Hills Place is a suburb of Baton Rouge and is the overall best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb, located in East Baton Rouge Parish, has a population of 9,038 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. The area is highly rated for families, diversity, as well as health and fitness. Here, the median home value is $437,900 and the median rent is $1,422, according to Niche.
2. Westminster
Westminster is another suburb of Baton Rouge and is the second-best place to retire in Louisiana. Located in East Baton Rouge Parish, this suburb has a population of 2,559 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. This area is highly rated for nightlife, diversity, families, health and fitness, as well as commute. The median home value here is $266,100 and the median rent is $1,482, says Niche.
3. River Ridge
River Ridge is a suburb of New Orleans, located in Jefferson Parish, and is the third-best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb has a population of 13,312 and offers residents a dense suburban feel. The area is highly rated for public schools, family, nightlife and diversity. The median home value is $357,400 and the median rent is $1,127, according to Niche.
4. Westlake
Westlake is a town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. With a population of 4,743, this town offers residents a rural feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, jobs, cost of living, nightlife and weather. Here, the median home value is $166,100 and the median rent is $1,049, says Niche.
5. Prien
Prien is another town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. This town has a population of 7,119 and offers residents a suburban rural mix feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, nightlife and weather. The median home value here is $278,000 and the median rent is $1,292, according to Niche.
Presley Bo Tyler is the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team reporter for USA Today Network. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
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