Louisiana lawmakers want timeline for Comite River flood management project [Video]

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — Louisiana lawmakers want a timeline for a years-long multi-million dollar Comite River flood management project.

The Comite River Diversion Canal and Amite River Basin Task Force met on Thursday, Aug. 15 to talk about the 12-mile-long diversion project and get a presentation from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.

Livingston Parish and surrounding areas have experienced flooding and ongoing drainage problems. After the 2016 flood, thousands were impacted by the water and drainage issues. Unfortunately, many are still experiencing those issues.

“A retired schoolteacher called yesterday and her flood insurance has gone up over $5,000 this year. She says, ‘how I’m going to pay this? What am I supposed to do?’” state Rep. Kellee Dickerson said.

Members of the task force were told by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that some changes had to be made before proceeding with …