Zoo In Louisiana Considers Move To Grounds Prone To Flooding

(Information from: The Advocate, http://theadvocate.com)

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — A zoo in Louisiana is considering a move to grounds that are prone to flooding.

The Advocate of Baton Rouge reports that the Baton Rouge Zoo's park system is pursuing a move to Airline Highway Park.

Hydrologist Bob Jacobsen says most of the site appears to be below FEMA's projected water levels for a 100-year-flood, which is a flood that has a 1 percent chance of occurring annually. The area surrounding Airline Highway Park saw flooding of nearly 19 feet in August 2016 — two feet higher than FEMA's 100-year flood estimates.

Baton Rouge Zoo Director Phil Frost says the $110 million zoo plans include on-site water retention. He says a decision hasn't been reached. Funding also hasn't been outlined as of yet.

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