The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said it will pay owners fair market value for land the government will take over as part of its hurricane protection system.
The corps, in a release Monday, announced it would use independent real estate appraisers to determine the value of properties.
Those who lose their land may also receive benefits, including comparable replacement housing and moving expenses, under the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Policies Act of 1970.
The corps also announced it has awarded a contract to build an interim gated closure on the Orleans Avenue Canal in New Orleans. The closure is designed to prevent storm surges from entering the canal. The corps plans such structures for three canals. Each is to extend flood protection 15.5 feet above sea level.
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