St. Mary Levee District leaders say governmental officials in five surrounding parishes have committed to financial support for a permanent floodgate on Bayou Chene, which is key to ensuring the flood protection structure operates smoothly once it’s constructed. The levee district commission met Thursday at the parish courthouse. District officials have long talked about getting financial commitments and moral support from governmental leaders in other parishes that will benefit from the Bayou Chene Flood Control and Diversion Project. This project would protect up to six parishes from backwater, riverine flooding and involves installing a 400-foot wide permanent floodgate on Bayou ...