Baton Rouge, LA – October 12, 2021 – East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome and Iberville President Mitch Ourso announced today a proposal to improve drainage along Bayou Manchac at the border of the two parishes. Broome and Ourso proposed a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement to clear and snag Bayou Manchac from Highway 30 to the Alligator Bayou Flood Control Gate. This proposal would complement a similar agreement between East Baton Rouge and Ascension Parish, with the ultimate goal of improving drainage along almost the entire length of Bayou Manchac to the Amite River.

“The leaders of East Baton Rouge, Iberville and Ascension Parishes are stepping up to bring meaningful drainage improvements to our citizens,” said Mayor Broome. “President Ourso and I believe a regional approach benefits all of our communities.”

“Bayou Manchac is the only drainageway for East Iberville Parish and I am committed to finding solutions for my citizens who live there,” said President Ourso. “Drainage for East Iberville Parish will only improve with downstream initiatives to address water flow, and that’s why it is so important to work collaboratively across parish lines.”

The proposed project next heads to the EBR Metro Council and Iberville Parish Council for approval.