Bayou Teche Closed To Non-Emergency Traffic
Iberia Parish President Larry Richard has issued a proclamation that restricts boat traffic on the Bayou Teche to emergency watercraft only. This proclamation was made to protect the interests of homeowners and business owners who live and work along the banks of the bayou.
Richard made the proclamation last night.
PROCLAMATION
Bayou Teche Motorized Pleasure Boating
Bayou Teche is currently experiencing unusually high waters from heavy rains, storm surges, and flooding as a result of a significant weather system (Hurricane Barry).
Residents and business owners along Bayou Teche have reported significant issues resulting from unnecessary motorized pleasure boat traffic along Bayou Teche.
After consultation with representatives of law enforcement and in an effort to reduce unnecessary erosion and shoreline damage to property and/or loss of life, l, M. Larry Richard, Iberia Parish President, acting in accordance with the provisions of the Louisiana Homeland Security and Emergency Assistance and Disaster Act (LSA-R.S. 29:721, et seq.) hereby issue a temporary prohibition against non-emergency motorized pleasure boat traffic along those portions of Bayou Teche located in Iberia Parish, Louisiana, beginning at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, July 14, 2019 and ending at 7:00 a.m. on Monday, July 22, 2019, unless sooner terminated. Law enforcement agencies are hereby authorized to take any and all necessary action to enforce the provisions of this Proclamation.
The restrictions on the waterway are in effect until July 22nd. However, they could be lifted sooner should conditions change and the waterway is again deemed safe for commercial and pleasure craft to operate.