Port Commission Facilitates Partnership in Successful Bayou Cleanup Project

(GALLIANO, LA, JUNE 20, 2007) –A successful Bayou Lafourche debris clean up project is complete due to a joint effort by the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, the United States Coast Guard and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Over the last few weeks, numerous sunken vessels, decrepit wharves, broken pilings and other debris were removed from Bayou Lafourche as well as underwater obstructions in Belle Pass. The removal process was done by a Coast Guard contractor which was funded by FEMA.

The Port Commission’s Harbor Police department was instrumental in this process. The Harbor Police Department facilitated the partnership between the government agencies to plan this project, as well as assisted in the debris removal process.

Captain Larry Terry of the Harbor Police said, “Our harbor police department identified the areas that needed clean up and communicated with the local people to get permission waivers signed which made the process much easier for the Coast Guard to come in and do the necessary clean up work. Once Coast Guard was here, Harbor Police also provided vehicle and marine traffic control to aid in the process.”

The Port Commission anticipates that this project will be a model used to demonstrate how government agencies can work together for a common goal. Ted Falgout, Port Director said, “We are proud to have been able to create this partnership with FEMA and the Coast Guard to help beautify Bayou Lafourche and to make navigation easier. We hope that we can be an example to communities on how to partner together to get things done.”

Lieutenant Thomas Munoz of the US Coast Guard said, “The way the Port Fourchon Harbor Police handled the after mass of the storms as it applies to handling of debris and vessel salvage was in my opinion very successful. I think that the model for recovery that they implored should be used by other parishes throughout the state.”

“The Port’s Harbor Police department should be commended for their determination and hard work to make this project a success,” continues Falgout.

 

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