Boulet Administration Announces Efforts to Begin Vermilion River Debris Removal
BOULET ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES EFFORTS TO BEGIN VERMILION RIVER DEBRIS REMOVAL
USACE debris removal begins this week as LCG evaluates areas to spot dredge
Lafayette, LA – Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG), in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), will begin work this week to remove hundreds of identified debris targets from the Vermilion River, advancing ongoing efforts to improve navigation and safety along the waterway.
Running more than 30 miles through Lafayette Parish, the Vermilion is an important part of the parish’s drainage system, environment, recreation and commercial navigation. Much of the rain that falls across Lafayette eventually makes its way through streets, storm drains, ditches and coulees to the Vermilion, carrying with it litter and debris along the way. Over time, the river has also accumulated larger obstructions, including trees, tires and other sunken objects that can impede navigation and create hazards for river users.
The work follows an August joint presentation to the Lafayette City and Parish Councils by USACE Colonel Scotty Autin on conditions along the Vermilion River, building on continued discussions among the administration, councilmembers and federal partners about navigation needs along the waterway. Since then, LCG has worked with USACE to prepare for debris removal while continuing to evaluate other navigation needs along the river, including areas that may benefit from targeted spot dredging.
“The Vermilion is such an important part of Lafayette and our way of life,” says Lafayette Mayor-President Monique B. Boulet. “We see firsthand how much this river matters, not only for drainage but also for recreation, commerce and the people who use it every day. Keeping it safe and navigable takes consistent attention, and I’m grateful for the partnership of Colonel Autin and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Congressman Clay Higgins, Councilman John Guilbeau and Councilwoman Liz Hebert. I also want to thank both our City and Parish Councils, the Bayou Vermilion District and everyone who helped move this work forward.”
USACE crews are scheduled to arrive Thursday, October 22, for site preparation, with debris removal beginning Friday, October 23. Work will start near the Milton Bridge and move north toward the Pinhook Bridge. More than 300 obstructions have been identified along this stretch, including tires, trees, sunken objects and other debris. USACE estimates this phase will be completed by March 31, 2027. LCG has worked with USACE over the past several weeks to identify staging areas, disposal sites and other locations needed to support the work.
Following this phase of work, USACE plans to continue south from Milton through Vermilion Parish to the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, where more than 600 additional obstructions have been identified.
As committed in the joint council presentation, LCG is working with local and state officials to host a navigation stakeholder meeting before the end of 2026. The meeting will provide an opportunity for river users and other stakeholders to receive an update on debris removal progress and discuss remaining navigation concerns and priorities. Public updates will be made as information becomes available.
Together, these efforts build on the ongoing work of LCG, USACE, the Bayou Vermilion District and other partners to care for a waterway that plays an important role in Lafayette’s drainage, environment, recreation and commerce.
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