The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers made it official today for the gradual opening of the Morganza Floodway. It is now set to begin Sunday, June 2.
Corps spokesman Rickey Boyett says unless conditions on the river change, they will be forced to take action so that the water doesn't overflow the Morganza structure. One of the lessons they learned from the flood in 2011 was to take it slow.
''A slow opening, a gradual opening where over a three day period, we are able to limit the amount of water into the floodway,'' said Boyett.
One bay a day for six days -- that way, he says, it will give farmers and livestock owners time to move their animals, as well as time for wild animals to get on the move.
''We're working to get the notification out for those who have livestock in the area so we hope get can get all the livestock out in advance the gradual opening is really focused on animals like the Black Bear to get them out,'' Boyett said.