St. Mary Parish:   Disaster Impact and Needs Assessment

Economic and Workforce Development

• Several vessels sought shelter at the Port of Morgan City because of the port's location as a safe hurricane harbor.
• Influx of new citizens to the area led to permanent new residents.
• Continued threat of flooding of commercial and industrial enterprises along the Port of Morgan City 's 22 miles of waterfront.

Flood Protection and Coastal Restoration

• Serious coastal erosion occurred near Burns Point and at Cypremort Point.
• Storm surge flowed upstream flooding urban areas allowing salt water intrusion in potable drinking water supplies.
• Siltation over time reduced carrying capacity and retention capacity of Bayou Teche.
• Backwater flooding threat to Amelia area is severe with the area nearly inundated during Hurricane Rita.
• Flooding in west end of the parish resulting from the need for improved outfall canals.
• Repetitive flooding in the Bayou Vista area during past heavy storm water events.

Education

• Roofs damaged on six K-12 public schools.
• Influx of evacuee student population.
• Overcrowded vocational-technical school including new students from evacuated areas ( Louisiana Technical College --Young Memorial Campus).

Transportation and Infrastructure

• Influx of several aircraft and associated facilities to airport from seriously impacted parishes, reducing airfield safety and capacity.
• Highway 90 was highly congested with stalled traffic during hurricane evacuations.

Housing and Community Development

• Homes and businesses flooded in Franklin, along the Cypremort Ridge, and at Cypremort Point.
• Surge water from Hurricane Rita inundated the Cypremort Point area.
• Influx of evacuees into the parish, many of whom were low-mod income, elderly and/or infirmed.
• Surge water from Hurricane Rita inundated the Cypremort Point State Park causing approximately $1,000,000 in damages.