Video courtesy of the City of Broussard
Broussard, LA (April 16, 2026) – Public Works crews in the City of Broussard conducted maintenance this week on Coulee Fortune along Dustin Circle, part of an ongoing effort to improve drainage across the city and reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rain events.
According to Mayor Ray Bourque, routine cleaning and maintenance of the city’s coulee system is a critical component of maintaining proper water flow and preventing blockages that can lead to localized flooding.
“Continuous maintenance of our coulee system is vital to provide essential and appropriate drainage during heavy rain events,” Bourque said.
Coulees, which serve as natural and engineered drainage channels throughout the region, can become obstructed over time by vegetation, sediment, and debris. Without regular clearing, these obstructions can restrict water flow, particularly during periods of intense rainfall, increasing the likelihood of water backing up into neighborhoods and roadways.
The work along Coulee Fortune is part of the City of Broussard’s broader Drainage Improvement Master Plan, a long-term initiative that calls for an investment of $25 million in completed, current, and future drainage projects. The plan outlines a combination of maintenance, system upgrades, and infrastructure improvements designed to enhance the city’s overall drainage capacity.
City officials have identified drainage as a key priority in response to continued growth and development, as well as the region’s vulnerability to heavy rainfall events. Maintaining existing drainage corridors, such as Coulee Fortune, is viewed as essential to ensuring that larger infrastructure investments function effectively.
In addition to routine maintenance, the Drainage Improvement Master Plan includes targeted projects aimed at improving water flow, reducing bottlenecks, and increasing the efficiency of the city’s drainage network. These efforts are intended to provide long-term solutions while addressing immediate needs in areas prone to drainage concerns.
Officials said residents may notice periodic maintenance activity in coulees and drainage channels throughout the city as crews continue work under the plan.
City leaders encourage residents to remain aware of drainage conditions near their properties and to report concerns that may impact water flow, particularly ahead of forecasted heavy rain events.
