As expanding industry required deeper and wider channels, Bayou Black dredging was recommended in 1965. The Rivers and Harbors Act of 1968 authorized construction and maintenance of the Atchafalaya River and Bayous Chene, Boeuf, and Black, Louisiana, project. The project provided for the widening and deepening of a navigation channel 20 feet deep by a bottom width of 400 feet from the vicinity of U. S. Hwy. 90 crossing over Bayou Boeuf to the Gulf of America via Bayou Boeuf, Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Bayou Chene, Avoca Island Cutoff, the lower Atchafalaya River, Atchafalaya Bay to the Gulf of America and from near U. S. Hwy 90 to Bayou Chene via Bayou Black and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. By providing a 20 foot deep by 400 foot wide channel, energy related industries would be able to transport deep water oil rigs from industrial areas located along Bayous Boeuf and Black to the Gulf of America.
Atchafalaya River and Bayous Boeuf, Black and Chene Federally Authorized Project
The channel was progressively enlarged during maintenance events from 10 by 100-feet in 1939 to 20 by 200-feet in 1974.
A formal dedication of the Atchafalaya River and Bayous Boeuf, Black and Chene Federally Authorized Project was held on June 20, 1981.
The Program read Channel Dedication…meeting America’s challenge—reducing the dependency of the United States on foreign nations.
The completion of the access channel through the Atchafalaya River and Bayous Boeuf, Black and Chene would directly influence the energy needs of the Unites States. The international use of these rigs and their sale to other nations would also affect the country’s balance of trade and reduce the nation’s dependency on foreign energy production.
In 1982, the Port of Morgan City became the only Louisiana port between New Orleans and Lake Charles providing access for deep water structures to the Gulf of America.
The Morgan City Harbor & Terminal District was the responsible local agency to provide assurances that made the project possible. The Commission would act in an advisory position to the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers pertaining to dredging schedules; and when required, provide testimony to federal and state appropriations committees to assure that adequate funds were available.
The Port of Morgan City currently serves as the non-federal sponsor for the
Atchafalaya River and Bayous Boeuf, Black and Chene Federally Authorized Project.
