Every project leaves an impression—but for Jennifer Matranga, one build stands above the rest. As the Quality Control Manager and Alternate Site Safety & Health Officer on the Southeast Louisiana Urban Flood Damage Reduction Project (SELA) – 26 project, she helped lead one of the most complex and community‑impacting undertakings of her career.

A Project of Unmatched Complexity

The SELA‑26 Project brought together a wide range of challenging technical elements:

• Mass concrete placements for flumes and box culverts
• Construction of a major canal structure designed to later support Norfolk Southern rail lines
• Removal and replacement of failing water, sewer, and drainage infrastructure
• Full restoration of neighborhood streets and sidewalks

What made the project truly memorable for Jennifer wasn’t just its technical scope—it was its impact.

Building in the Heart of a Community

Unlike remote job sites, SELA‑26 unfolded within a long‑established neighborhood, where many residents had lived for decades. These homeowners had endured a history of flooding. For Jennifer, witnessing their relief and gratitude after heavy storms, when their streets and homes remained dry, became one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

Adding to the complexity, her team worked within seven active railroad tracks, under a bridge, and inside an active drainage canal. It was a build that demanded precision, communication, and constant awareness.

Rising to the Challenge

One challenge Jennifer is especially proud of overcoming was navigating continuous design changes while coordinating with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Together, they tackled obstacles presented by an aging and often failing infrastructure system. The collaborative approach transformed challenges into opportunities to strengthen the project’s long‑term reliability.

Lessons That Last

Working on USACE projects shaped Jennifer’s approach to construction quality and safety. She developed a deeper attention to detail, a disciplined approach to documentation, and a proactive mindset toward compliance, skills she carries into every project today to ensure consistency and reduce risk.