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Temporary Operator Hired For West Bank Hurricane Protection Structure

The West Bank levee authority has made a deal for a temporary operator at the massive West Closure Complex hurricane protection system.

Nola.com/The Times-Picayune reports the authority approved $1.6 million to hire an operator while negotiations continue with local governments over cost sharing.

A company called Pump Station Operators will be responsible for operation and maintenance for one year. It has been involved with the pump station since its inception.

The $1 billion facility is comprised of the world's largest pump station and a 225-foot sector gate at the Harvey and Algiers canals.

It’s designed to block surge from entering the canals and flooding Algiers, Terrytown, Gretna, Harvey, Marrero and Belle Chasse.

Eileen is a news reporter and producer for WWNO. She researches, reports and produces the local daily news items. Eileen relocated to New Orleans in 2008 after working as a writer and producer with the Associated Press in Washington, D.C. for seven years.

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