Pump to the River Endorsements
New Orleans City Council - CityBusiness, January 10, 2008
"In other Council action, members unanimously approved a resolution supporting the concept of the Pump to the River, recognizing the potential economic and quality of life impacts on residents in Orleans and Jefferson parishes."
CONGRESSMAN JINDAL SUPPORTS PUMP TO THE RIVER!
Some highlights of Congressman Jindal's 8-page letter..."Thank you for contacting me regarding the Pump to the River Project. It is an honor to represent the people of Louisiana, and I appreciate you sharing your thoughts and concerns..."
"...I agree with you that we must continue to work to ensure that the Greater New Orleans area, including areas of Jefferson Parish such as Old Metairie and Old Jefferson, are more than adequately protected in the future. Recently, the Corps of Engineers, New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board, and Jefferson Parish agreed that installing new pump stations at the mouths of the 17th Street, London Avenue, and Orleans Avenue Canals is the best technical solution for
permanently protecting these areas without damaging internal drainage infrastructure. Furthermore, many residents, as well as the Jefferson Parish Council, have recently recommended implementing the Pump to the River Project, which would divert water runoff in Hoey's Basin to the Mississippi River instead of Lake Pontchartrain."
"The Corps recently announced that they will consider this project as part of the construction of a new pumping station at the mouth of the 17th Street Canal. I certainly agree with you that the residents of Jefferson Parish should feel confident in the flood protection systems that surround their homes, and I will continue to advocate to the Corps to ensure that the proper systems are in place."
JEFFERSON CHAMBER REPRESENTING 1000 Plus BUSINESSES PASSES RESOLUTION ENDORSING PUMP TO THE RIVER AT 17th STREET CANAL!
Whereas: On June 19, 2007, the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce issued a letter of support with respect to Hoey’s Drainage Basin/Pump to the River Project to Parish President Aaron Broussard, and;Whereas: The June 19, 2007 correspondence identified the importance of this project from the economic and quality of life perspectives, and
Whereas: Since that time, there have been several meetings with the US Army Corps of Engineers, Local Elected Leadership of Jefferson and Orleans Parishes, as well as Louisiana’s US Senators and Congressional Delegation in our efforts advance this important project, and;
Whereas: At the most recent “Executive Partnering” meeting, held on July 31, 2007, including representatives of the Corps of Engineers, and public officials of Jefferson and Orleans Parishes, a consensus was unanimously agreed upon which included “Pump to the River” option 2A, be included in the Corps’ final report due August 23, 2007 to Congress, together with Option 2 which was previously approved. Option 2 calls for the construction of a new pump station at the lakefront and 17th Street Canal, deepening the 17th Street Canal for gravity flow and eliminating pump station No.6. Thus, the pump to the river Project will remove collected water from the canal and ‘pump’ it to the river and;
Whereas: During the recent Jefferson Chamber Washington DC Fly-in, this project was a primary agenda item and topic of our discussion with the Louisiana Delegation;
Now Therefore Be It Resolved: That the Board of Directors of the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce does hereby state continued support for this project and specifically supports and recommends the following:
1. That the Corps of Engineers Final Report recommend Option 2A and 2 of the Pump to The River project, and;
2. The Corps of Engineers begin immediately their authorization review of Option 2a in the SELA Program.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE STEVE SCALISE URGES
CONGRESSMAN BOBBY JINDAL --- PUMP TO THE RIVER!
Dear Congressman Jindal,When Congress returns from the August recess I know one of the most important pieces of legislation you will be taking up is the conference report on the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). As you continue to fight for the critical
funding that is included in the WRDA bill, I would also like to ask that you do everything you can to obtain funding for the design and construction of the proposed “Pump-to-the-River” drainage project.
This proposal will provide much-needed flood protection to many neighborhoods in Jefferson and Orleans parishes. Pump-to-the-River will provide direct relief to the thousands of families who live in the Hoey’s Basin, which includes parts
of Old Metairie and Old Jefferson. By diverting water from the Hoey’s Basin to the Mississippi River, scarce capacity in the 17th Street Canal will be freed up to allow for increased drainage capacity from surrounding neighborhoods including Bucktown, Lakeview, Uptown, Broadmoor, and Mid-City.
Clearly this proposal provides multiple benefits as we work to find solutions to the drainage problems in the New Orleans region. It will also give some peace of mind to people who have already endured tremendous hardship. Thanks for your attention to this request.
Sincerely,
Steve Scalise
Louisiana State Representative
Bob Evans / Bonnabel Civic Association Supports
PUMP TO THE RIVER at the 17th Street Canal
"I cannot attend the Parish Council meeting this morning, but I want to go on record on
behalf of the Bonnabel Civic Association. We do support the project as proposed by
Councilwoman Sneed and other parish officials."- Bob Evans, President Of Bonnabel Civic Association
We urge you to vote in favor of the Corps Option 2 which is to build new pump stations at or near the lakefront, deepen
the existing canals for gravity flow to the new pump stations, and eliminate the existing S&WBNO pump stations (includes
Jefferson Parish Pump-to-the River consideration), as we believe these projects are critical to the future viability of the
Orleans Metropolitan area. Without these projects, we believe that the future economics of the area will suffer
substantial, permanent and long term financial damages.
Sincerely, Bill and Melissa Legier
CIVIC LEAGUE OF EAST JEFFERSON ENDORSES
PUMP TO THE RIVER AT 17th STREET CANAL!
I will be in attendance representing the Civic League of East Jefferson and Palm Vista Civic Association. Even though the residents of Palm Vista are not immediately effected by this project, we have benefited
from different SELA projects in our area. The residents of Palm Vista recognize the importance of protecting Jefferson Parish as a whole and not just our area. We are proud to stand with those immediately effected by this project. Working together can only make Jefferson Parish stronger and a safer place to live from storm surge.
- Jackie Madden
NORBY WHITE / OLD JEFFERSON CITIZENS DRAINAGE ADVISORY BOARD ENDORSES PUMP TO THE RIVER AT 17th STREET CANAL!
Dear Friends:This is Norbert (Norby) White and as most of you know I am a member of the Old Jefferson Citizens Drainage Advisory Board. I would like to call your attention to the following information regarding a meeting at Jefferson Parish Council. All of the info you need to know is below. As most of you know it is in the best interest for those of us who live in Old Jefferson to try as best we can to get Pump to the River (PTR) to become a reality. If you have been reading the TP Newspaper and listening to the news of TV we could and I repeat we could be in harms way if we should have a heavy rain event during a Hurricane. If you are part of a civic group whether you live in Old Metairie or Old Jefferson or not PTR will help you. Please ask your group leader to attend this most important meeting. It seems that when you have a large group at a council meeting you getting noticed and MAYBE they will do something or convince others to help us. Thanks!
- Norbert (Norby) White
