THE ZACHA Y
ADVOCATE& T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M
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W e d n e s d ay, J a n u a ry 28, 2026
12TH YEAR, NO. 16
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Flood-control canal could be complete in 2 years “My role in this is to stay committed to moving as fast as possible.”
BY DAVID J. MITCHELL
Staff writer
The Comite River Diversion Canal — federally approved in 1993 as a flood-protection measure for the Baton Rouge area and for over two decades under start-and-stop construction — should be done by mid-2028, officials say. When the latest round of work on the canal started in 2019, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials estimated the $908 million channel would take two years to finish. But the project, which will divert Comite River floodwater to the Mississippi River, hit roadblocks and repeatedly slipped past expected completion dates. The newest timeline was discussed recently with a legislative task force tracking the diversion’s construction. The disclosure prompted a now familiar airing of frustrations over the pace of work and questions about state and federal oversight
of day-to-day construction and whether better contracting terms could motivate faster work. Another complaint centers on why federal officials can’t start the process of refashioning flood insurance rate maps before the canal is finished to account for how much it will reduce risk — which could save homeowners and other policyholders money. State Sen. Rick Edmonds, R-Baton Rouge, and Greenwell Springs builder Brandon Ivey raised the idea of adding performance incentives for bigger contracts that could put a dent in the timeline. “It would be tragic if we had an-
Zachary parade
Sunday, Feb. 15 • 2 p.m.
COL. SCOTTY AUTIN, commander of the Army Corps of Engineers New Orleans District
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Rock lines the Comite River Diversion Canal just east of La. 964 in Zachary. The 300-foot-wide, 50-foot-deep canal will route flood water from the Comite and larger Amite River Basin to the Mississippi River, ä See CANAL, page 2G reducing risk for 700,000 people in the Baton Rouge region.
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other event six months before it would … be open and have many millions of dollars worth of damage when maybe some performance incentives would have helped,” Ivey said. Among those fielding the questions was Col. Scotty Autin, the latest commander of the Corps’ New Orleans District to be handed responsibility for the long-running project. The Houma native who took over in July said the U.S. Army has “a bias for action” and, with the state highway department, would try to find ways to save time in the building contracts. “My role in this is to stay committed to moving as fast as possible,” he said, adding he would look to trim cushion days built into the contracts where possible. He said the contracts already contain some incentives, including financial penalties for delays. Also,
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Thawing out? Lane Regional MediAs I write this, the area is prepping cal Center, will reign for extreme cold as king, and Britany weather. Whether or Hurst Temple, Tunot it will have icy lane Hall of Famer, conditions is yet to influencer and enLeila be seen. trepreneur, will be Pitchford queen as Zachary’s I hope all came AROUND out on the other side events will honor ZACHARY warm and safe. Everyday Heroes. Many activities The parade is Feb. were postponed, so 15. Final sign-up for be sure to check with orthe parade is Saturday. Visit tinyurl.com/mv4uvxks to ganizers and find out when sign up. those have been reschedAn invitation only recepuled. And as always, let us tion and news conference is know when you have events Feb. 13. to publicize. Send informaFeb. 14 is a community service event and Mass. tion to zachary@theadvoVisit zmardigras.com for cate.com or for the Felicianas at extra@theadvocate. information. com.
Zachary Carnival royalty Zachary Mardi Gras announced its first king and queen. Frank Corcoran, CEO,
Sophomore Aisa Bell, dribbles down the court during Zachary game against Mandeville High. Zachary High girls basketball faced Mandeville High on Jan. 23. The Broncos won 76-36. As always, other students were on
Help with food needs
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The Zachary Food Pantry is seeking post-holiday help.
alumni also were in the gym.
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PHOTOS BY SONYA GOSS
cheering and concessions. Visiting Justin Williams, the owner of Grind Elite Threads, gave away 100 Zachary basketball shirts to students who attended.
Lindsey Scott Jr.
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College football ramblings with a Zachary touch
Warren Brady ZACHARY SPORTS
Adam Perry, Zachary senior, works the concession stand at the game.
”Lord I was born a ramblin’ man, Tryin’ to make a livin’ and doing the best that I can. And when it’s time for leavin’, I hope you understand, I was born a rambling man.” — The Allman Brothers Band Watching the College Football Playoff National Championship game Jan. 19, I noticed a familiar face in Miami’s dimpled offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson. Dawson grew up in Clinton and played quarterback at Silliman.
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Broncos cheerleaders pose before the start of the game.
Junior Ayja Walker takes out the ball for the Broncos.
Justin Williams, the owner of Grind Elite Threads, giving away 100 Zachary Basketball shirts to students who attended girls basketball game on Jan. 23. With him is combo guard Ava Raymond, who is also the ambassador of Grind Elite Threads.