The Laurel Ridge Levee Extension fulfills a community commitment made in 1984, when Ascension Parish residents approved funding to improve flood protection. After decades of planning, LEMOINE Infrastructure helped bring this critical project to completion. Progress was initially delayed when Livingston Parish raised concerns that the levee could worsen flooding in its southern region, leading to a legal dispute that required additional analysis and cross-parish collaboration.

Instead of halting the project, the challenge sparked a cooperative effort led by McKim & Creed, who refined hydraulic models and redesigned the system to balance flood protection with environmental needs. The final solution includes a 4.5-mile levee extension, 13 to 17 feet tall, with seven outfall structures that preserve natural wetland function and eliminate the need for mechanical pumps.

The project now protects roughly 8,500 structures and removes many properties from the flood zone, relieving homeowners of costly and often overwhelming flood insurance premiums. LEMOINE Infrastructure worked closely with all partners to execute the complex design, including careful delineation of drainage basins to ensure long-term performance.

More than a flood control effort, the project stands as a testament to collaboration, transparency, and shared commitment to community resilience.