In a major step forward for the Louisiana Watershed Initiative, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has begun seeking qualified engineering firms interested in developing statewide hydrological computer models.

The firms chosen will develop scientific models across seven regions throughout the state that consider the movement of water within each one. This is a crucial step in the process of developing an effective statewide system for flood risk reduction. The modeling will provide key insights into the effect of water-related projects and policies on all communities within their respective watersheds, and it eventually will help predict the movement of floodwaters.

This modeling effort is just one of many ways the Initiative is working toward reducing flood risk statewide, particularly as Louisiana awaits federal guidance on a $1.2 billion congressional allocation dedicated to flood mitigation.

The deadline to respond to the advertisements for LWI Region Nos. 2, 3, 5 and 7 is June 17. The proposal due dates for the remaining regions will be established by an addendum to each corresponding advertisement after consultants are selected for these regions. For full details and to access the advertisements, click here.