Under normal circumstances, the Franklin Canal funnels stormwater from urban areas in and around Franklin to low lying outfall marshes and bays of the Gulf of Mexico along Louisiana’s central coast. However, the Franklin Canal also serves as a conduit for reverse flows generated by storm surge from the Gulf. In this capacity, the canal has carried elevated water levels northward resulting in flooding in Franklin and along U. S. Hwy. 90 (an evacuation route) during Hurricanes Rita and Ike.

The Franklin Canal Project broke ground In January of 2013 and was completed in November of 2013. Phase 2 of this project is to install a pump station for times when the gate is closed.  The pump station has been completed with four 42″ pumps. You can view the entire system in operation on the video page.

Cost and Funding — $5,775,000

(a) Office of Coastal Protection and Restoration

      $500,000—Design Funds

(b) Capital Outlay

     $640,000—Construction

(c) Community Development Block Grant

     $4,635,000—Construction