Morganza Spillway in 1954, the Morganza Spillway has been opened twice (in 1973 and 2011), and considered for opening during four other major floods of the Lower Mississippi River. On April 17, 1973, in order to lower the water level of the Mississippi River and relieve pressure on the Old River Control Structure, the Corps of Engineers opened 42 of the 125 steel gates of the Morganza Spillway for the first time since its completion, allowing about half of its maximum designed flowrate to pass from the Mississippi into the Atchafalaya Basin. The spillway received minor scouring and slight damage to 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