Diversion Canal Closer to Reality

Congressman Garret Graves, fresh off an historic victory in Washington, where he helped gain funding for the remainder of the work on the Comite Diversion Canal, visited the canal last week.
The project, which has lanquished for 30 years until Graves’ breakthrough, seemed to come alive as the second-term Congressman described the scene at the Lily Bayou Control Structure.
When the Comite River is at flood stage 53 feet above sea level, it will automatically top the weir at the Lily Bayou Control Structure and flow west into the Mississippi.
Graves eyes glowed as he described the water rushing over the weir and diverting millions of gallons away from Central and pointssouth and east.
It was a celebratory visit — Graves’ first since his historic victory.  He used the chance to give two Central officials their first look at the Comite Diversion Canal. Central Mayor Pro-Tem Kim Fralick and Kim Powers, candidate for Central Council at-Large, spent an hour at the site, which is somewhat reminiscent of the Panama Canal.
Fralick and Powers both expressed thanks to Graves for the work he has done to finally put the funding in place for project.
Fralick said, “Getting to visit Lily Bayou with Congressman Graves was a surreal experience. I am truly appreciative for all the work he has  put in to make it a reality.”
Powers said, “Many people played an important role, but without Garret’s single-minded determination, this would not have happened!”