History of the Diversion Canal
The diversion Canal was created under the Flood Control Act of August 9, 1955, which authorized certain improvements:
-Construction fo a diversion channel from the Amite River to Blind River; -Improvement of drainage on the Amite River, Bayou Manchac. Blind River and Comite river by clearing and snagging, enlarging and realigning; -Modification of three existing bridges and construction of one new bridge; -Construction of a control weir on the Amite River at mile 25.3. The principle reasons for the design of the Amite river Diversion Canal and tributaries project were for flood control and drainage. Improvements provide reduction fo head water flooding during high stages and retention of water during low stages. Range of tides very from 1/2 to 1 foot at the mouth of the Amite river and Blind River, 3 to 6 feet due to hurricanes. Upstream rises due to freshet, 6 to 12 feet in Bayou Manchac and Blind River, and 6 to 20 feet in Amite River. Construction on the Amite River/Blind River Diversion Canal was begun on June 24, 1957. Estimated coast was $3,033,852. Additional contribution from federal and local interest groups were $2,179,000. construction was completed on February 20, 1964. The Diversion Canal was excavated for 10.57 miles X 150 feed from the Amite River to Blind River. Weir construction was for 1500 feet with a 20-foot boat passage. The boat passage was completed on October 3, 1963.
