Morganza Spillway open the Morganza Spillway for the first time since 1973." The second opening of the Morganza Spillway began with the lifting of a single floodgate on May 14, 2011. Diversion of of water from the Mississippi River to the Atchafalaya Basin was planned during this event, with the structure operating at about 21% of its capacity. This diversion was deemed necessary to protect levees and prevent major flooding in Baton Rouge and New Orleans, with the tradeoff of creating possibly severe flooding in the Atchafalaya Basin. By May 18, 2011, a total of 17 gates (the largest number for the
Morganza, Louisiana were below the poverty line, including 33.7% of those under age 18 and 15.2% of those age 65 or over. The Morganza Police Department is a municipal police agency located in the village of Morganza, Louisiana. The department patrols an area of approximately in this rural town located in northern Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana. The town's population is approximately 659 (2000 census). The head of this agency is an appointed official, with the position currently held by Chief of Police Brett Robillard. In addition to the chief, the department has one (1) full-time officer, and at least five (5) part-time