The Harvey Canal floodwall is predicted by the Corps of Engineers to be completed in April 2009, but local authorities predict 2010 or later. A private contractor, Cajun of Baton Rouge, obtained the contract. The Corps and the contractor are arguing over the cost of the 5th phase.
The first of five phases of the four mile long wall was expected to be in place in April 2008, work is nearing completion.
The wall will give important protection to the West Bank. Large sand bags have been placed, and it is hoped the storm surge will not be high enough to breach the project.
When completed, the top of the wall will be 14 feet above sea level, towering 19 feet above Peters Road.
In the latest note in The Times Picayune, August 31, it was noted that the West Bank project remains incomplete and vulnerable in some spots.

Early attempts by Louisiana to get full financing in place were stalled in Congress by debate over Iraq funding.

Several articles in the Times-Picayune, esp. one by Meghan Gordon, Jan. 5, 2008. See http://www.nola.com/hurricane/index.ssf/levees/

This and other canals, constructed under contract by the Corps of Engineers, made the metropolitan area more susceptible to storm surge, but were deemed necessary for shipping and commerce.