The Amite River Basin Commission recently outlined 13 major projects in its first master plan. Of the costs estimated, the plan could reach more than $3.8 billion.

Top priority projects

Bayou Manchac improvements: Cost $29.9 million, funded, dredging of Alligator Bayou and Bayou Manchac, realignment of Ward Creek, replacing Perkins Road bridge.

Lower Amite sediment removal: $80 million, only lower portion funded from La. 22 to Lake Maurepas. Counteracts impact of diversion canal weir repairs (below).

New river pumps: $109 million, first $61 million phase funded, pump system to send high water in Spanish Lake to Mississippi River.

West Shore Levee connector: $104 million, partially funded, extension of big federal hurricane protection levee system now under construction into St

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