But the water levels `` continue to be lower than anticipated '' throughout the basin , Corps spokesman Ken Holder said in a statement announcing the decision . The spillway was opened May 14 to head off flooding in southern Louisiana . ___ Three of the spillway 's 17 opened bays had been closed by Wednesday .
The spillway was opened May 14 to head off flooding in southern Louisiana . ___ Three of the spillway 's 17 opened bays had been closed by Wednesday .