The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) of Louisiana announced six recipients of the 2024 Parish Matching Program awards, totaling a combined $7 million. This initiative, designed to support local governments in their coastal restoration efforts, highlights a collaborative approach between the state and parish governments to address pressing environmental concerns, according to this article from The Houma Times.
CPRA Executive Director Glenn Ledet, Jr. expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership with local governments, emphasizing the alignment of these projects with the Coastal Master Plan. He pointed out that the infusion of state and local funds would expedite the implementation of critical projects, thereby enhancing protection for residents and improving coastal ecosystems in Louisiana.
For the fiscal year 2024, the funding was allocated on a reimbursement basis, sourced from state surplus funding and the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) funds. The awarded projects cover a broad spectrum of restoration efforts across various parishes, each addressing unique environmental challenges.
Jefferson Parish received funding to elevate approximately 22 homes in Lafitte and Grand Isle, which had been approved by FEMA for non-structural improvements. Additionally, the grant provided matching funds to plant four acres of dunes along a two-mile stretch of Grand Isle. This effort aims to enhance the resilience of these areas against future storms and flooding.
In Lafourche Parish, the funding was allocated to construct over 36,000 linear feet of earthen terraces to restore more than 200 acres of marsh along Bayou L’Ours. This area had been significantly degraded by Hurricane Ida, and the terraces would help in mitigating further erosion and promoting marsh recovery.
St. Bernard Parish was awarded funds to support the creation of over 400 acres of marsh and restore 2.5 miles of lake rim along Lake Lery. This project is vital for preserving the lake’s ecosystem and preventing further degradation of the marshland.
St. John the Baptist Parish’s allocation was designated for designing, engineering, and constructing approximately five spoil bank gaps near Bayou Chevreuil. These gaps would help reduce impoundment and enhance the health of around 1,800 acres of cypress-tupelo swamp, promoting better water flow and ecological balance.
St. Tammany Parish received funding to develop and construct approximately 505 linear feet of living shoreline along Goose Point. This project, part of the St. Tammany Living Shorelines initiative, aimed to stabilize the shoreline and protect it from erosion while providing habitat for marine life.
Lastly, Vermilion Parish was granted funds to build over one mile of additional rock breakwater to protect the eroding marsh along Vermilion Bay. This structure is essential for shielding the marshlands from the erosive forces of waves and tides.
The CPRA stands as the primary state entity responsible for coastal protection and restoration in Louisiana. Its mandate includes developing, implementing, and enforcing a comprehensive coastal protection and restoration Master Plan. This cohesive strategy integrates the expertise and resources of various state departments, such as the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Transportation and Development, to address the multifaceted challenges of coastal restoration and hurricane protection.
For the first time in the state’s history, a single authority is harmonizing efforts across federal, state, and local levels to articulate a unified vision for Louisiana’s coastal future. This integrated approach aims to establish a safe and sustainable coast that safeguards communities, critical energy infrastructure, and the state’s abundant natural resources.
By collaborating with federal entities, local political subdivisions, and levee districts, the CPRA is working towards a resilient coastline. Their efforts are crucial for protecting not only local communities but also the nation’s energy infrastructure and natural resources, ensuring they remain robust for future generations.
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