Hurricane Katrina Damage Assessment: Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi Ports and Coasts

Damage caused by Hurricane Katrina to ports, harbors, and marine infrastructure along the Gulf Coast of Alabama and Mississippi is assessed by teams of civil engineers about five weeks after the hurricane. The Mississippi Gulf Coast Assessment Team visited and assessed the Mississippi State Port Authority facility at Gulfport, as well as private and public marinas along the coast between Long Beach and Biloxi. The team also evaluated the Port of Pascagoula-East Harbor, U.S. Route 90 bridge and highway infrastructure between Pass Christian and Pascagoula, and a dozen floating gaming casinos between Biloxi and Gulfport. The Alabama-Mississippi Gulf Coast Assessment Team observed and evaluated facilities and infrastructure in Pass Christian, Pascagoula, and Mobile. Evaluations and recommendations are presented, along with lessons learned.

A team of port engineers conducted a weeklong field assessment of damage resulting from Hurricane Katrina to selected South Louisiana river and coastal port facilties. The team focused on seven ports: Port of South Louisiana; Port of New Orleans; St. Bernard Port Harbor and Terminal District; Plaquemines Port Harbor and Terminal District; Greater LaFourche Port Commission; Port of Morgan City; and Terrebonne Port Commission. Impact of the hurricane on each facility is described, along with economic and operational impacts and lessons learned.