Berwick preps for rising water

The Town Council declared a state of emergency Tuesday, joining other area councils and boards in taking that action due to the projected Atchafalaya River crest near 8 feet Jan. 23.
The ordinance was declared retroactively effective Dec. 31, 2015, and allows for Berwick to make emergency purchases, if necessary.
Mayor Louis Ratcliff hopes the town won’t have to spend money for protection against high water and says Berwick should be in “good shape” to get through the event, he said.
Berwick officials have closed floodgates on First and Pacific streets and plan to close gates on California and Lima streets during the next week based on the river forecast, Ratcliff said.
Ratcliff assured residents that the gates will protect the town from any river water from getting past the floodwall.
Also at the meeting, Reid Miller of Miller Engineers said engineers are close to wrapping up plans on Ber-wick’s sewer project. Miller expects to have a response back on the plans from the state Office of Facilities, Planning and Control within two to three weeks.
That project entails expanding Berwick’s sewer system on La. 182 by Cameron Ironworks and upgrading the system on Old Spanish Trail. The council approved accepting a donation from Berwick LLC for the sewer project.
In other business, the council
—Approved the Krewe of Dionysus Parade permit to take place Feb. 6.
—Approved reappointing Deborah Garber to the Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District Commission.
—Approved rescheduling its February council meeting to Feb. 2.
—Introduced an amendment to an ordinance to say that no manmade lake, pond or waterway shall be constructed within 25 feet of any adjacent property line.