Funding secured for large-scale marsh creation projects in Louisiana

The Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act (CWPPRA) Task Force has approved $99 in funding for seven large-scale marsh creation projects in Louisiana.

Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) will use the funding for the construction of the Breton Landbridge Marsh Creation (West), No Name Bayou Marsh Creation, and Northeast Turtle Bay Marsh Creation projects and the engineering and design of the East Cove Marsh Creation, Port Fourchon Marsh Creation, Northeast Turtle Bay Marsh Creation Extension, and Grand Bayou Ridge and Marsh Restoration – Increment 2.

“Large-scale marsh creation projects are a cornerstone of our state’s coastal program,” said CPRA Chairman Chip Kline. “We’re grateful for the collaboration between CPRA and our federal partners that will allow these projects to move forward and bring both restoration and improved protection to four coastal parishes.”

“We’re thrilled to see the advancement of seven restoration projects that will benefit over 2,300 acres of critical marsh across our coast,” said CPRA Executive Director Bren Haase. “With nearly $100 million in approved funds, these projects will support the goals of our Coastal Master Plan and provide benefits to the fish, wildlife, and communities who depend on our coast for years to come.”

The following projects received funding for construction through CWPPRA:

• The Breton Landbridge Marsh Creation (West) project will create and nourish approximately 379 acres of marsh habitat in Plaquemines Parish. The $26.5 million project is a joint effort between CPRA and the federal sponsor, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA);
• The No Name Bayou Marsh Creation project will create and nourish approximately 468 acres of marsh in Cameron Parish. The $27 million project is a joint effort between CPRA and federal sponsor NOAA;
• The Northeast Turtle Bay Marsh Creation project will create and nourish 536 acres of marsh in Jefferson Parish. The $32.3 million project is a joint effort between CPRA and the federal sponsor, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

The following projects received funding for Engineering and Design through CWPPRA:

• The East Cove Marsh Creation project will create and nourish 274 acres of marsh in Cameron Parish. The $2.8 million project is a joint effort between CPRA and federal sponsor NRCS;
• The Port Fourchon Marsh Creation project will create and nourish 450 net acres in Lafourche Parish. The $3.5 million project is a joint effort between CPRA and the federal sponsor, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA);
• The Northeast Turtle Bay Marsh Creation Extension project will create and nourish 343 acres of marsh in Jefferson Parish. The $3.6 million project is a joint effort between CPRA and federal sponsor NRCS;
• The Grand Bayou Ridge and Marsh Restoration – Increment 2 project will create 302 acres of ridge and marsh in Plaquemines Parish. The $3.4 million project is a joint effort between CPRA and the federal sponsor, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

“This $99 million investment underscores the Nation’s continued commitment to the communities of South Louisiana,” said COL Stephen Murphy, CWPRRA Task Force Chairman. “CWPRRA, one of our country’s oldest and most successful coastal restoration programs, is built on a foundation of partnership. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers looks forward to working closely with the other four federal agencies and the state of Louisiana to continue the program’s success through delivery of these seven marsh creation and restoration projects.”

Each year, large-scale projects are selected for CWPPRA funding based on the annual priority plans developed by the State of Louisiana and five participating federal agencies: NOAA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, EPA, USFWS, and NRCS. Since 2007, CPRA projects completed with funding through CWPPRA have restored approximately 19,400 acres of coastal land.