The Morganza to the Gulf Hurricane Protection System is a complex, interconnected storm protection network spanning two of Louisiana's most vulnerable and economically significant parishes — Terrebonne and Lafourche. The system is comprised of levees, water control structures, navigable floodgates, a lock complex with an adjoining floodgate and dam closure, road gates, and a pump station. Once complete, the 98-mile system will provide a 100-yearlevel of risk reduction, effectively protecting the region from a storm surge that has a 1% chance of occurring or being exceeded in any given year. The project will protect over 200,000 residents in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes., nearly2,000 square miles of land, and invaluable infrastructure in and around Houma. The Morganza to the Gulf system underwent a significant test in September2024 when Hurricane Francine struck south Louisiana. In the past, storms with comparable surge levels caused devastating flooding. However, during Hurricane Francine, the system successfully prevented flooding in at least 11,000 homes. Although a few areas experienced over-topping, there were no failures or breaches. The system is also undergoing a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement(EIS). This Supplemental EIS is expected to be released in mid-2026 and will allow all other projects within the system to move forward.

INTERIM SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS

CPRA is collaborating with partners to identify and address gaps to mitigate future over-toppings. Included in this effort is the continued improvements and levee lifts for the interim Morganza to the Gulf Hurricane Protection System.

HUMBLE CANAL FLOOD GATE

The Humble Canal Flood Gate, near Montegut, is making significant progress with its much-needed upgrade, which will usher in a faster and easier process for closing the canal during high water events. The new floodgate recently completed its first phase of construction, finishing all pre-load dirt work and marking and a major milestone in the project’s implementation. Once the pre-load dirt work settles and the engineering and design of the structure is complete, construction on the floodgate structure will begin.

HOUMA NAVIGATION CANAL LOCK COMPLEX

The Houma Navigation Canal (HNC) Lock Complex broke ground in August2024 and will have a roughly four-year construction period. This new lock will protect communities in Terrebonne Parish from floodwaters coming up the HNC while allowing navigation activities to continue uninterrupted. The completed canal will also provide environmental benefits to the area by limiting salt water intrusion and distributing freshwater within the Terrebonne Basin.

REACH A AND REACH F LEVEE

In addition to the Humble Canal Flood Gate and the HNC Lock Complex, the Reach A levee in Terrebonne Parish broke ground in October 2024. The Reach F levee is also steadily moving forward with engineering and design, demonstrating the system's continuous development and improvement.