Low water levels in the upper Mississippi River have not affected operations so far at the Port of New Orleans. Port officials say no traffic restrictions are expected.
Port President Gary LaGrange says deep-draft shipping and cruise operations haven’t had any interruptions, though the nation’s drought is causing problems to the north. Traffic closed yesterday after a barge went aground near Greenville, Mississippi. The river was later reopened to limited vessel traffic.
LaGrange met with Army Corps of Engineers officials in Washington, D.C., this week. He says he was assured lock and dam management will provide adequate water for the Lower Mississippi. LaGrange says the Corps is maintaining the Congressionally-mandated 45-foot channel from Baton Rouge to the mouth of the river.