$3 billion restoration project to restore Louisiana's eroded coast terminated. More here
The project, which would repair the Gulf's disappearing coastline, was viewed by Jeff Landry as a hinderance to the state's way of life, while conservationists consider it an urgent response to the effects of climate change.
The termination of the project means that Louisiana could lose over $1.5 billion worth of unspent funding, and may potentially have to repay the $618 million that was already used to begin building, AP News reported.
Louisiana cancels $3 billion coastal restoration project. What this means for the Gulf Coast
Louisiana's Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CRPA) reached an agreement with the Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group to officially terminate the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion Project, according to the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority.
"The decision follows CPRA's determination, as the Lead Implementing Trustee for the construction of the sediment diversion, that the project is no longer viable due to multiple factors, including costs, permitting concerns, and ongoing litigation. Based on CPRA's determination, the Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group signed a resolution to reduce the project budget to match funding that has already been dispersed," reads a news release from the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority.
Originally planed as a large-scale restoration project, the sediment diversion was devised to reconnect the Mississippi River to the Barataria Basin, with the intent to rebuild marshes in Plaquemines Parish.
The project was aimed at rebuilding more than 20 square miles of land over a 50-year period in Southeast Louisiana in order to combat rising sea levels and coastal erosion along the Gulf.
CPRA determined that construction of the project, as it was approved in 2023, is no longer viable at this time and, instead, CPRA is pivoting to reinstate the Louisiana Coastal Area (LCA) Medium Diversion Myrtle Grove with Dedicated Dredging project, which offers similar restoration benefits, according to CPRA.
As part of the cancellation process, the authorized budget has been reduced from $2.26 billion to $618.52 million, reflecting funds that have already been disbursed. Through this, CPRA plans to use the funds for activities related to closing out the project, requiring monthly updates to the Louisiana Restoration Area Trustees, says CPRA.
The unused project funds will be made available for future Deepwater Horizon restoration activities within the Louisiana Restoration Area through the restoration planning process and approval by the Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group, according to CPRA.
Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Ganett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Did Louisiana cancel coastal restoration project? Why was it canceled?
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