State Stepping In To Help Vermilion Parish

The state is now getting involved in Vermilion Parish's battle with saltwater intrusion. Yesterday, KPEL reported the Vermilion Parish Police Jury declared a state of emergency because of the saltwater's impact on the parish's economy. In October, a barge hit Bowman Locks--causing damage and allowing saltwater to flow into Mermentau Basin. Nearby rice farmers rely on fresh water in the basin to raise their crops, and the salt water is threatening  that. Zeringue says repairs to the locks will take about 6 months.