Extensive Flooding Sparks Watershed Initiative

The Acadiana Planning Commission (APC), the planning district for Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, and Vermilion parishes hosted a flood mitigation planning session on August 3, 2017 to present the Louisiana Resilient Recovery (LRR) initiative that studies each watershed district and finds a unique solution to fit their needs. The APC partnered with the Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, the Office of Community Development, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency on this initiative.

Governor John Bel Edwards gave his full support to the watershed-based approach to prioritize efforts beyond city, parish, and state lines for a more resilient state. St. Mary Parish will participate in the planning efforts as it is adjacent to the APC parishes. The group will examine the Vermilion, Teche, and Mermentau watersheds based on the Louisiana Watershed Resiliency Study released by FEMA. The strategy for each district will assess flood risk policy, as well as, economic development, transportation, and community planning.

The initial meeting and panel discussion is available to view on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRy6k7Y9O1jXiECtne4wx_Uz4FVOA9CYm