PINEVILLE - Hopefully, a disaster like the one many in the area remember as the Flood of 1977 will never happen again. The floodwall surrounding Pineville is in excellent condition, according to a report from the Department of the Army, Nashville District, Corps of Engineers.

On June 21, representatives of the Nashville District of the Corps of Engineers along with Pineville Chief of Police John Collins inspected the Pineville Local Flood Protection Project.

In their report the engineers said the I-Walls, or floodwall, were found to be in excellent condition and functioning as designed.

“Since the failure of flood protection in New Orleans, the Corps have been investigating what caused the levee to fail. From this the Corps of Engineers is developing new procedures and criteria to ensure the safety and proper functioning of all flood walls to reduce possible damage to the structures,” said Barney Davis Jr., Chief, Engineering/Construction Division.

As the Corps develops knowledge from New Orleans, they will keep Pineville officials informed and will continually review the I-Wall structures and keep city officials advised on any changes.

The engineers say in order to be conservative while the re-evaluation process is occurring, Pineville is expected to establish new action thresholds in its emergency action plans when water levels reach five feet above the levee crest on the flood side.