Officials in Lower Jefferson Parish are stepping up flood protection efforts in Jean Lafitte as hurricane season begins.
Kerry Lauricella, president of the Lafitte Area District, which oversees flood protection, said the district has about 200 supersized sacks that can be placed on roads to protect homes in case of flooding.
Lauricella explained that some of the most vulnerable spots include areas near the new bridge, which could require up to 450 linear feet of protection.
“We’ve got probably 30 different spaces. Some of them are like up the road here by the new bridge. It could be 450 linear feet, which is our weakest spot,” Lauricella said.
This year, the district has gained additional manpower and resources due to a merger with the Southeast Flood Protection Authority West. Previously, Lauricella and one other employee were responsible for blocking roads and closing flood gates in lower-lying areas.
“We have access to an army, an army of people with a fleet of vehicles. And I would say in years honestly think this may be the best prepared we’ve been yet because we have access to so much firepower,” Lauricella said.
The enhanced resources include heavy machinery, such as forklifts, to move the supersized sacks more efficiently.
For residents in Jean Lafitte, these preparations are vital to protecting what matters most.
“It’s the fact of life, the culture, the people,” James Arabi said.
READ MORE:Lower Jefferson Parish gears up for hurricane season with flood protection measures
