Reversible diversion project proposed for Ascension, St. James Parishes

Ascension Parish government officials say a proposed Mississippi River diversion project in St. James Parish may be a way to blunt the kind of high storm surge seen after Hurricane Isaac.

The Advocate reports parish officials would like the diversion project planned near Romeville to be reversible as part of a broader flood protection plan in the Lake Pontchartrain Basin.

Under that concept, water would flow not only from the Mississippi into the Maurepas Swamp, but also from the swamp into the river in times of high water in the lake basin.

Surge from Hurricane Isaac moving in from the east almost swamped the Marvin J. Braud Pumping Station, a key pump station for Ascension Parish.