Coastal priorities advance during 2021 Legislative Session
State policymakers call attention to the coast during session
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Throughout the 2021 Louisiana Regular Legislative Session, advancement in coastal funding and policy was an evident priority of state policymakers.
One success was the unanimous passage of the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority's (CPRA) Fiscal Year 2022 Annual Plan, an yearly update on the implementation strategy supporting projects included in the 2017 Coastal Master Plan. The Annual Plan specifies how the State anticipates investing $887 million in Louisiana’s coast in 2022 with 71% going directly to constructing projects, including Houma Navigation Canal, Increase Atchafalaya Flow to Terrebonne project, Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion and other Bayou Region projects. The investment increases to over $1 billion in the upcoming years. For more on ROR's key takeaways from the Annual Plan, click here.
Additionally, the passage of the State’s Capital Outlay bill (House Bill 2) invests $200 million in project requests for CPRA, creating jobs and boosting economic viability for the state. Similarly, the Coastal Trust Fund gained $45.7 million in surplus dedicated to priority restoration projects and coastwide non-structural risk reduction and restoration partnerships. Included in this funding is the Coastal Center at Nicholls and more.
Another significant takeaway from the 2021 legislative session is the relief of debt incurred to the State through the $15 billion Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System (HSDRRS) construction delays. Policymakers approved the use of $400 million to pay back the first HSDRRS payment to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the fall of 2021, through allowance of the federal Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA). This will save the state nearly $1 billion dollars in interest that would have been obligated under the previous 30-year pay back plan, after remaining annual payments are paid over the next two years.
Upon adjournment of the 2021 Louisiana Regular Legislative Session, ROR is excited to see the advancement of coastal projects, leveraging of funding for the highest impact, and the prioritization of coastal restoration and community resilience. We look forward to continuing to assist the State in coastal planning and implementation efforts, and we hope to see some of the legislators with us in the field soon!
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Terrebonne island projects are making strides |
After overcoming delays from 2020’s active hurricane season, the three-island restoration project paused for recent Tropical Storm Claudette. All equipment is back up and running on the west end of Trinity East Island, which is at approximately 70% completion. Up next is both Timbalier and West Belle Headland with dredging work in the near future.
Restoring and strengthening our state’s barrier islands is essential as the first line of defense for coastal communities-- to learn more on this project, check out ROR’s recent field report with April Newman, CPRA project manager, below.
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In the field
We have been "springing into summer" with great activities!
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Restore or Retreat was pleased to be a part of a recent Davis Pond field trip! Not pictured: the dozens and dozens of alligators we saw along the way! |
ROR also participated at Jean Lafitte Seafood Festival, along with Jefferson Parish Coastal Department and others.
What a great community event and celebration!
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We had a great few days exploring south Louisiana and talking about our coastal opportunities with staff from the Senate Environment and Public Works committee! USACE leadership, port commissioners and state legislators joined us in Port Fourchon for the day. |
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That time of year: hurricane season means preparations |
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We can't go into summer months without discussing seasonal preparations. While we are hopeful our preparations do not have to be put into play, having a plan in the start and throughout hurricane season is crucial. Our state’s coastal agency, CPRA, continues to have a heavy focus on strengthening our first line of defense, barrier islands, as well as bolstering our structural protection, but we must do our own part in preparations. Last year Restore or Retreat, in partnership with Louisiana Sea Grant and the Water Institute of the Gulf as part of the COAST program, hosted a webinar with officials from the Governor’s Office of Emergency Preparedness on the must-have plans as Louisiana residents during hurricane season, as well as some shared resources. Click here to watch and make preparations for your family!
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If you are curious of the flood risk in your current home location, check out CPRA’s Master Plan Data Viewer. Learn more about coastal flood risks to Louisiana communities now and in the future, as well as how to make your home, business, and community safer and more resilient. This viewer displays the results from CPRA’s 2017 Coastal Master Plan and provides resources to reduce risk, as well as the state’s proposed restoration, structural protection, and nonstructural risk reduction projects.
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On Deck
Restore or Retreat plans Field Report with Coastal Technical Assistance Center
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As a relatively new asset to the Bayou Region and ultimately our coast, Restore or Retreat is excited to highlight the Coastal Technical Assistance Center (CTAC) with Laci Melancon, program coordinator, during ROR’s next Field Report on Wednesday, July 28 at 11:30 am. Please join us!
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In Case You Missed It
Restore or Retreat released 2020 Annual Report
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As ROR celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2020, our annual report highlights the theme of "Putting Our Coast to Work" by featuring a few of ROR’s programs, bayou region projects and coastal partnerships!
View the full report here:
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Part I- Nola.com
US News and World Report
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Resources
Check out the latest blogs!
Resource for guidance through coastal acronyms!
Friends of Bayou Lafourche, Louisiana Wind Week and more!
Check out our update on our activities in 2020!
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Fourchon Oilman's Association Fishing Invitational
July 8-10
Moran's Marina, Port Fourchon
Atchafalaya Task Force
July 15, 9 am
Iberville Parish Court House, Plaquemine, LA
Monthly CPRA Board Meeting
July 21, 9:30 am
Lake Charles Civic Center
ROR Field Report: CTAC
July 28, 11:30 am
Zoom Webinar
Bayou Industrial Group: Speakers
Restore or Retreat, Morganza Action Coalition and Coastal Technical Assistance Center
Mon, August 9. 2021 -- 12 pm
Thibodaux Regional Medical Center
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Don't forget! The first Monday of the month is always give back night at Off the Hook! Visit Houma, Thibodaux and now Gonzales for good food for a good cause!
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Achieving comprehensive coastal restoration since 2000 |
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Restore or Retreat is a non-profit coastal advocacy group created by coastal Louisiana residents and stakeholders who recognize that the Barataria and Terrebonne basins are the two most rapidly eroding estuaries on earth, and that this erosion represents an economic and ecological crisis. With a growing membership businesses and individuals, ROR seeks to identify and expedite the implementation of aggressive, large-scale restoration projects to protect this irreplaceable region.
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