Coastal project gives Lake Pontchartrain landmark a new lease on life

NEW ORLEANS (InvestigateTV) - For several years, Tommy Costanza has been coming to the Tchefuncte River Lighthouse, the Lake Pontchartrain landmark in Madisonville.

“This is sickening to see our lighthouse almost get washed away,” Costanza said.

While land around the lighthouse has been eroding for decades, the issue has taken on new urgency in recent years as the lake was virtually lapping at the door to the structure.

“The water at high tide was unabated, and it was sitting at the foot of the lighthouse,” said Alexis Hocevar, President of the Maritime Museum Louisiana Board, which manages the lighthouse for the town of Madisonville.

Over the weekend, a construction crew wrapped up work on the first phase of a $1.6 million rescue plan, installing a rock jetty and borrowing mud from the lake to create a buffer around the lighthouse.

Future phases will involve installing a breakwater to cut down on wave action and a pier to provide access. First operated in 1837, the Tchefuncte River Lighthouse has been restored a few times over the years, but still serves its original purpose as a navigation aid to mariners on Lake Pontchartrain.

While the rock barrier will not stop a surge, Hocevar said it should provide a buffer around the lighthouse.

There had been genuine concern that the structure could topple over in a serious storm event.

“It’s great, a long time coming,” said Costanza, who created Madisonville Live Cams, a free app that features various views of the town of Madisonville.

Costanza installed the latest live camera atop the lighthouse over the weekend.

The future coastal restoration phases are funded, but the Maritime Museum still must raise funding for its most ambitious effort, the restoration of the museum itself.

Hocevar estimates the cost at over $2.5 million.

“No doubt in my mind that we’re going to get this done,” Hocevar said.