AMY SZPARA

PHOTO: HOPE CANAL in Garyville is the first canal of several that St. John Parish will have dredged to help with drainage problems that contribute to flooding. The Army Corps of Engineers will begin planning stages soon. (Staff Photo by Amy Szpara) GARYVILLE – The scene was like a painting of what the world knows of Louisiana: murky waters, cypress stumps and greenery for miles. An alligator even raised his scaly head from beneath the still water as an airboat propelled by. The picture-perfect panorama seemed flawless, but beneath the tranquil waters lies a problem that gets greater as the years go on. Tree branches, silt and debris have gathered at the floor of the four-mile canal causing drainage problems that result in flooding in surrounding areas. Monday morning St. John the Baptist Parish officials and representatives for the Army Corps of Engineers cruised down Hope Canal in Garyville in a fanboat, and the crew examined the canal for dredging plans that will help with the drainage problems. Hope Canal, which flows into Lake Maurepas, can now only carry half of the water it was originally created to move out of the Garyville area. That creates flooding problems for its residents, and parish officials are now planning a dredging project with the corps that will solve the problem at hand by removing 3-5 feet of silt to make the canal deeper. According to parish officials, the project has been chopped into three phases to help budget costs. The estimated $2 million project could take a few years to complete, but fortunately the federal government will pay 65 percent of the cost. The parish is also applying for state money to cover half of the 35 percent that remains. “This is part of my commitment to improving drainage in St. John Parish. The continuous flooding is causing problems, and this is the first project of many that we have identified,” said Parish President Nickie Monica. “It’s the first time the parish has applied for this type of funding. It’s also our first major project with the Army Corp of Engineers.” Monday’s trip down the canal was an initial survey by engineers to begin plans for the project. The next step involves a study that will identify all costs and the time expected for completion of the project. Hope Canal is just one of several canals parish officials plan to have dredged as part of the St. John Flood Prevention Program. “This is a big deal for us,” said St. John Chief Administrative Assistant Chris Guidry. “This is the first time we’re asking the federal government to assist. We have real flooding problems. We’re excited because we think it’s really going to help with drainage.”