Upper Amite Restoration Project Aims to Cut Flood Risk Across Capital Region

The Amite River Basin Commission is advancing a major flood-mitigation effort called the Upper Amite Restoration Project, designed to lower flood risk across the Capital Region. State Representative Paul Sawyer explained that the new master plan shows the most effective way to protect the region is to hold water in the Upper Amite before it reaches the flat terrain south of I-12, where drainage slows and backups can trigger widespread flooding like the 2016 event. A large reservoir was once considered, but residents in East Feliciana and St. Helena opposed it. Instead, the Commission is acquiring former sand and gravel mining sites along the Amite River and restoring them to natural conditions. These reclaimed sites will serve as multiple smaller storage areas, slowing the river, holding stormwater, improving downstream drainage, and helping recharge the Southern Hills Aquifer. Many sites will eventually become public recreation areas with lakes and trails. Sawyer also noted that House District 69 currently has no representative. Early voting runs February 28–March 7, and Election Day is March 14, the same day as Baton Rouge’s Wearin’ of the Green parade.