The Davis Freshwater Diversion Project was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1965 (PL 89-298), the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 1974 (PL 93-251), WRDA 1986 (PL 99-622), and WRDA 1996 (PL 104-303). Construction began in January 1997. Located on the west bank of the Mississippi River in St. Charles Parish near the town of Luling, the project diverts freshwater, with its accompanying nutrients and sediments, from the Mississippi River into the Barataria Basin to reduce saltwater intrusion and establish favorable salinity conditions in the area.
These diversions also increase commercial and recreational fish and wildlife productivity, enhances vegetated growth for a healthier estuarine ecosystem in the Barataria Basin, and reduces coastal wetland loss from erosion. The project dedication ceremony was held on March 26, 2002.
This text is copyright © material by Marilyn Richoux, Joan Becnel and Suzanne Friloux, from St. Charles Parish, Louisiana: A Pictorial History, 2010.
