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.