New Iberia enterprise and independent observer. (New Iberia, La.) 1902-1944, 1914-04-25
MII,E-LONG CANAL PRO
POSED CHECK TO FLOOD
WATER.

In the cutting of canal mile
long from Grand Lake to Bayou
Teche and the opening up OF the
old channel Of Bayou Chouplquo
from the Teche to the Gulf cit
liens of this section believe they
have a plan to relieve flood con
ditions in the lower Atchafalaya
basin.
Citizens of ST. Mary. st. Ian
dry. Iberia and st. Martin par
ishes. among whom are some OF
the largest planters in Southern
Louisiana. have become interest
ed in the project, and the state
Board of Engineers will be asked
TO take it under consideration
Officials of three railroads are
looking on with interest. and al
thiugh they admit that the plan
seems feasible. are awaiting the
opinion of Major Frank NJ. Kerr.
State engineer. Major Kerr will
no over the grounds at an early
date.
The proposed new water course
would offer almost an air line
outlet for the Atchafalaya chan
mel. which flows through Grand
Lake to the Gulf to Mexico from
Clarendon. the promoters OF the
project claim. The cut from
Clarendon to the Gulf would be
one Of approximately eight
miles. whereas the present chan
mel of the Atchafalaya system
meanders in tortuous course for
sixty miles from Clarendon be-
fore it reaches its mouth.
A party Of planters and rail
road officials, headed by DR.. Ira
Pierce Of Port Barre. La, the
principal enthusiast for the pro-
ject, came from Opelousas to
Charenton to-day. The party
went over the ground around
Grand Lake and the Teche. and
went through Bayou Choupique
to the Gulf. Major Kerr. who
was TO have been one OF the par
fy. was unable to make the trip
because of being called to Wash
ington to attend the hearing on
the Bayou Lafourche dam ques-
ton.
Those who went over the
grounds and studied the situation
saelared they are convinced OF
the feasibility Of the proposed
engineering feat. In the party
were II. Flanders. superintendent
IT the Opelousas. Gulf and
Northeastern. and Thomas Alex
ander. chief engineer of the FRS
co system, who represented Sup
crintendent Yoakum.
"1t's the best proposition for
the relief Of the lower Atchafa-
lava basin that I've SEEM" stated
Mr.. Alexander tonight. Its
a relief opening, and it certainly
looks feasible"
The engineer is preparing a
detailed report Of his investiga-
tions for his railroad.
The party which made the trip
to Clarendon met in Opelousas
last night, and started out on
their inspection tour this morn
ing. Special motor cars were
placed at its service by the New
Orleans, Texas and Mexico; the
Opelorsas. Gulf and Northeastern
and the New Iberia and Northern
railroads. Stops were made at
New Iberia, Clarendon and Bald
win en- route. At New Iberia the
party was entertained by A. G.
Barrow. at Clarendon citizens
met the cars with automobiles
and escorted the party to Bald
win. where a reception commit
tee. headed by George Veeder,
Representative from st. Mary in
the State Legislature. and Joseph
and Adolph Parro. The party
then was taken over the ground
of the proposed water route.
A portion Of the trip was made
through Choupique Bayou to tho
Gulf in the motor boat Of Louis
Piglier, deputy clerk Of court OF
st. Mary parish. and on the tram
road Of the Baldwin Lumber Co.
The party consisted of the fol-
lowing r. O.. Richard. presi-
dent of the Red River. Atchafa-
lava and BAYOU Boeuf Levee
Board; DR.. r. J. Perkins. a mem
bnr Of the same board; DIR. Ira
Pierce, Port Barre, La; DIR. FL
s. Joseph. Melville. w. F. Giles,
manager Adeline Sugar Com
pany, Adeline; Adolph and Jos
Parro and Paul Baldwin Of the