Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced $10 million in funds dedicated for a project to alleviate severe erosion along the canals that run through Southern University Baton Rouge campus to the Mississippi River. The erosion, exacerbated by failed drainage structures, is impacting critical infrastructure and utilities on campus resulting in safety concerns and challenges to the day to day operation of the university. In June, the governor toured damages on campus caused by the erosion including a temporary bridge and a partially collapsed road.
“This issue has been a priority not just for the university but also for the state of Louisiana as we have worked to provide funding and temporary fixes over the years; however, this ongoing problem merits a permanent solution, which is why I pledged a $10 million dollar investment as part of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to address the long-term threat posed by this erosion,” said Gov. Edwards.
