Major electric transmission line fell into Mississippi River after Hurricane Ida

Sept 1 Reuters - A major electric transmission line that fell into the Mississippi River due to Hurricane Ida could be removed by late Friday, a U.S. Coast Guard representative told Reuters.

The USCG is working with Entergy, which operates the massive transmission towers that toppled as a result of the hurricane, to clear the river. The hurricane knocked out power for more than a million homes and businesses, throttled refineries and chemical facilities to shut down, and forced commerce on the rivers, a key artery for vessel traffic.

There are about 40 boats aground on the banks of the Mississippi River, said Capt. McGrath. Will Watson, sector commander for the Coast Guard's New Orleans Sector. The hurricane also closed Port Fourchon, the state southernmost port. Watson said the port would likely be up and running in a number of days. Reporting Gaffen – David Gaffen.