What is the Old River Control project developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers?

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers developed the Old River Control project along the Old River that connects the higher Mississippi River to the lower Atchafalaya River. The project involves building levees, locks, gates, dams, and other structures along Old River to control the flow of water from the Mississippi to the Atchafalaya in an attempt to protect the surrounding areas from flooding and to keep the Mississippi River from altering its course. If the Mississippi changes its course, cities and industries along the river could suffer economically.