Jindal says word on opening Morganza spillway could come today

Gov. Bobby Jindal says the Corps of Engineers could decide as soon as today to open the Morganza spillway for the first time since 1973. The spillway, located north of Baton Rouge, would divert water from the Mississippi River into the Atchafalaya Basin. Officials warned residents that even if it were opened, they could expect water 5 to 25 feet (1.5 to 7.5 meters) deep over parts of seven parishes. The inundation of some of Louisiana’s most valuable farmland is expected. Jindal says he is meeting with officials in Morgan City, Butte La Rose and Krotz Springs, which would be affected by any decision to open the spillway. Already, St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s officials have put up nearly 880 voluntary evacuation notices on homes in Butte La Rose. “Our first priority is absolutely the safety of residents, and our second priority is to protect property wherever we can,” Jindal says. To see a Business Report photo gallery of how high the Mississippi River is in downtown Baton Rouge, click here.