New boat launch in the works

Parish looking at 13 acres between Pier 2, Pier 90

Parish President V.J. St. Pierre has met with representatives from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries about the construction of a new boat launch between Pier 2 and Pier 90 on Highway 90.

If built, St. Pierre said the launch would consist of 13 acres, have parking for 186 boats and trucks, three restrooms, two pavilions, 920 feet of dock and a fishing pier. The launch would also benefit from the construction of two additional turn lanes to make the area safer for motorists.

The new launch would allow boaters easy access to fishing hot spots like Sellers Canal, Lake Cataouatche and Lake Salvador.

As of now, Pier 90 is the only boat launch on the eastern side of the parish. Because of that, parking can be difficult on weekends, forcing some fishermen and boaters to leave their vehicles along Highway 90.

Angler Phillip Candella says that it’s about time a new boat launch is built in the parish.

“I have been following the progress of a new boat launch since the Corps of Engineers issued permits five years ago, and somehow it seems the money and property can never be located,” he said. “Pier 90 is a mud-hole after a hard rain and it’s the only boat launch on our end of the parish.

“There are numerous boaters and fishermen willing to go the extra eight miles to launch at the Bayou Segnette State Park.”

Other fishermen, such as Blake Landeche, don’t have a problem with Pier 90 and will continue to use it no matter what.

“Pier 90 attendants do a great job helping fishermen launch their boat and giving advice on where to fish,” he said. “I will continue to launch at Pier 90.”

Courtney Mongrue, who manages Pier 90, admits that he has faced some major obstacles in the four years since he took over, including flooding problems at the launch.

“Flooding from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, Ike and Gustav in 2008 and the burning a year ago have Pier 90 in reverse financially,” he said. “But improvements are in the works.”

One improvement that is already complete is a cemented  double wide boat launch that was built last spring. This summer, Mongrue plans to have a 1,300 foot roadway that will travel from the boat launch, around the building, and to Highway 90.

But will those improvements be enough?

Of the 20 fishermen interviewed for this article, 10 wanted a new public boat launch, seven didn’t care and would probably use both, and three said they would continue to use Pier 90.

Bruce McDonald contributed to this report.