News Summary
The Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority has appointed Louis ‘Jeff’ Williams as the new regional director. His appointment comes as the authority prepares for an impending storm while also navigating internal board dynamics. Over 200 flood gates are being closed in response to the storm, emphasizing the urgent need for effective flood management in the region. Williams brings extensive experience from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is expected to enhance storm preparedness amid ongoing board controversies.
New Orleans – The Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority has appointed Louis “Jeff” Williams as the new regional director of the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East amid ongoing concerns regarding storm preparedness and internal board dynamics. This appointment comes as the authority prepares for a major storm expected to strike south Louisiana this weekend.
The Flood Protection Authority is closing more than 200 flood gates across Orleans and St. Bernard parishes, with the last gates anticipated to be shut down by Friday. These closures are a precautionary measure ahead of the incoming storm, demonstrating the urgency in managing flood risks in the area.
Williams, who previously served as a senior project manager with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has been chosen for the role following a vacancy that has persisted since December. He has extensive experience overseeing critical infrastructure repairs and managing significant projects, including the $3.6 billion West Shore Lake Pontchartrain hurricane protection initiative.
Board President Roy Carubba has expressed his intention to swiftly integrate Williams into the authority, bringing him on as the chief engineer, a position that does not require board approval. After this initial appointment, Williams is expected to transition into the role of interim regional director shortly after his start date of August 4.
Carubba has defended his decision to appoint Williams, highlighting the latter’s expertise in pump repairs and his integral role in flood protection projects as vital to the community’s safety. Nevertheless, the hiring process has sparked controversy, as board member Debbie Settoon raised concerns about Carubba potentially overstepping his authority since agency bylaws dictate that a permanent director must receive board approval.
Board members appear to be divided on the new appointment. Some expressed ignorance of the hiring process when questioned by reporters, signaling possible communication issues within the board. This lack of communication could further complicate the authority’s governance amidst ongoing challenges.
The authority has been navigating internal turmoil since the dismissal of previous director Kelli Chandler, which has led to disputes and the resignation of four board members. These conflicts have been exacerbated by leadership changes implemented by Governor Jeff Landry, who has recently appointed two new board members to help stabilize the organization.
Meetings among board members have become increasingly chaotic, with tensions leading to canceled sessions due to a lack of quorum. An incident involving a confrontation between Carubba and board member Clay Cossé further highlighted the fraught atmosphere. Following the incident, Carubba acknowledged his emotional response and offered an apology for his behavior.
As the Flood Protection Authority seeks to bolster its leadership and improve communication, Williams’s appointment could play a pivotal role in enhancing storm preparedness and community safety. His local roots and personal commitment to the area may resonate well with the community he aims to serve.
As the storm approaches, the authority’s actions will be closely monitored, reflecting both the challenges of internal governance and the essential need for effective flood protection measures in southeast Louisiana.
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Additional Resources
- NOLA: New Orleans Flood Agency Director Hiring Controversy
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- Google Search: New Orleans Flood Protection
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- Google Scholar: New Orleans Flood Protection
- LA Illuminator: Levee Board Developments
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
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- Google News: New Orleans Storm Preparedness
