For Immediate Release: January 8, 2009
CPRA and Corps of Engineers Agree on Landmark Coastal Study for Southwest Louisiana
The Corps of Engineers and the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) have agreed to a 50-50 cost share feasibility study on hurricane protection and coastal restoration features in Southwest Louisiana.
The estimated $8.8 million feasibility study is anticipated to be complete in 24 months and will cover Vermillion, Cameron and Calcasieu parishes.
"This study will be the basis for future implementation of hurricane protection and coastal restoration in Southwest Louisiana," said Col. Alvin B. Lee, New Orleans District commander.
The study will include an environmental impact statement, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Coordination Act report, engineering appendix with baseline cost estimates, a real estate supplement, and other supporting appendices documenting the formulation of hurricane protection and coastal restoration alternatives in Southwest Louisiana.
"This is a big step forward in efforts to provide the best possible hurricane protection and coastal restoration for our communities in the southwestern portion the state that have been hard hit by two storms in the past three years," said CPRA Chairman Garret Graves. "This agreement will lead to solutions in an integrated manner - coastal restoration and hurricane protection. This represents the future of coastal resiliency in Louisiana."
The feasibility study represents the first time comprehensive coastal protection has been examined for Southwest Louisiana.
The cost share agreement is expected to be signed by all parties by Jan 14, 2009.
For more information about the CPRA and Louisiana's ongoing coastal protection and wetland restoration efforts, please contact Chris Macaluso at (225) 342-3968 or by email at chris.macaluso@la.gov.
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The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority's mandate is to develop, implement and enforce a comprehensive coastal protection and restoration master plan. For the first time in Louisiana's history, this single state authority will integrate coastal restoration and hurricane protection by marshalling the expertise and resources of the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Transportation and Development, and other state agencies, to speak with one clear voice for the future of Louisiana's coast. Working with federal, state and local political subdivisions, including levee districts, the CPRA will work to establish a safe and sustainable coast that will protect our communities, the nation's critical energy infrastructure, and our bountiful natural resources for generations to come. The CPRA of Louisiana was established by Act 8 of the 1st Extraordinary Session of 2005.
