The primary purpose of this task order was to develop a project interpretive plan for the Port Allen Lock project, a comprehensive guide for the project’s interpretive services and outreach program (ISOP). In addition, several high priority interpretive features listed in the plan were designed, fabricated and delivered to the project.  

The secondary purpose of this task order was to perform a review of the draft project master plan documents prepared by another contractor for the Port Allen Lock in 2000, but never approved and implemented. The draft master plan was reviewed to evaluate what changes are required to produce a conceptual plan for short- and long-term development and operational management of both man-made and natural resources of the project. The review resulted in a detailed plan of action for revision and update of the draft project master plan to ensure that the plan reflects current project conditions and is consistent with USACE NRM program guidance.

Project Highlights

• Project Interpretive Plan - MWH gathered historical and statistical project data, and performed research of relevant information on the importance of Port Allen Lock in the Inland Waterway System in order to develop a site-specific interpretive plan for the project. The interpretive plan is a comprehensive five-year guide for the project’s interpretive services and outreach program.
• Interpretive Plan Implementation – MWH and its interpretive services subcontractor produced detailed design, fabrication and delivery of selected priority features of the project’s interpretive services plan, including a new project brochure (print ready) and interpretive graphics/panel for the project Visitor Center.
• Review of Draft Master Plan – MWH performed a comprehensive review of the draft, unapproved 2001 project master plan to identify portions in need of updates, new issues affecting the project, and management concerns in need of attention. This review included recreation feature development, project office and visitor information center, public access and project security, natural resources management issues, and evaluation of potential for public/private partnerships.