The whole thing is insane. If this is really the only place that a port can be located, then the bare minimum of structures for the port should be located there, connected to higher ground by a causeway including railroad tracks. All housing, hotels, tourist attractions, and anything else that doesn't absolutely have to be at portside, should be located well above sea level.
New Orleans was intially situated there so traders could portage to Lake Ponchatrain.
I don't see too many ships nowadays in the Mississippi that you can carry on your back, so there is no compelling reason to keep the city in its present location - it can be moved inland to higher ground.