[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6628904,"mediaKeyId","2713621-fce6bac28acefcc927f2d81dc7468d8f","parentId",2713621,"title","Board approvals: agenda, minutes and vote to enter executive session (CPRA meeting, March 19, 2025)","audioSeconds",3505,"startMs",95000,"endMs",3600000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2713621-fce6bac28acefcc927f2d81dc7468d8f&start=95&end=3600","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2713621-fce6bac28acefcc927f2d81dc7468d8f/thumbnail_95000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6628904/Louisiana/Board-approvals-agenda-minutes-and-vote-to-enter-executive-session-CPRA-meeting-March-19-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6628904-f1ddee4faba5f8a6ecde120eab73cf44/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189614&Signature=BvkeqaYMN5y~R9~IgNuYnNVH22rwNaHtaXTLWf~GvARw0MtnvDjUAJctB0Li7XdGsQM6hnGqTLic8tXkkwkAwrpYIdDcz~YuEWet8xofxJOitkab585fNj-F5s1El5r2WDGZc~RWACBjqZshSbjwvjueZYRkkNCJBIVr4zRmROHl~Jmi1klO6jyMu6KBdFDq4uHnwz1CNgV6snGOTH7JRQ5FeQWtKvLBFrCNFFkrJYNwmp6e28zH1yPppsVvR9UVnbPBjDnYEZSaoRvSnjISnOclTLvkK-0S4Yrx1LtMiz-6IFtLcHycseVdlmuBfxfXW~lCKCLMzt5s617zIaSDxA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Louisiana - Boards & Comissions, Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board","date","2025-03-20T16:03:24.837Z","article","The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board recorded three formal actions during the public portion of its March 19 meeting: approval of the meeting agenda, approval of the minutes and a motion to enter executive session to discuss pending litigation.

Approval of the agenda: A motion to approve the agenda was made by Dwayne Bourgeois and seconded by Mister Hidalgo. The board voted in favor; the chair called for objections and none were voiced.

Approval of minutes: A motion to approve the minutes was made (mover recorded as Mister Aldagol) and seconded by Mister Alford; the chair called for objections and none were voiced and the motion passed.

Motion to enter executive session: A motion to enter executive session to discuss two pending lawsuits was made by Mister Bourgeois and seconded by Mister Davis. The board first asked for public comment on the matter (none offered). The board then conducted a roll‑call voice vote; members present were recorded as voting yes and the motion passed unanimously. The chair noted the meeting would proceed to executive session to discuss case dockets listed in the minutes.

Why it matters: The executive session subjects included federal and state litigation related to sediment diversion and related Corps and resource‑agency actions; the board’s transition to executive session closed the public portion for those agenda items.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","CPRA Board Meeting March 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At the March 19 CPRA board meeting members approved the agenda and minutes and voted unanimously to enter executive session on listed litigation matters; motions, movers and seconders are recorded in the minutes.","taxTitle","Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board, Boards & Commissions, Organizations, Executive, Louisiana","taxId",45335,"location","Louisiana","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6628909,"Federal policy shifts and FY25 funding outlook discussed during CPRA meeting",336,2926000,3262000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2713621-fce6bac28acefcc927f2d81dc7468d8f&start=2926&end=3262","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2713621-fce6bac28acefcc927f2d81dc7468d8f/thumbnail_2926000.jpg","/articles/6628909/Louisiana/Federal-policy-shifts-and-FY25-funding-outlook-discussed-during-CPRA-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6628909-0824725b9fdb86fd057fca85dea9db88/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189614&Signature=fMhycdiTnFQlB5KWzfYuScUIRnCV-8DeV541fNxiHBu2xSvSp4kzD-fj50Yy3tjbj5-7ToEbrU3DTD8Qr-cGs97N6aaCU8t4npWQj3dHQde9Fd8k7vnFu~Mtg4CwgtUG8c~bBtkaFAk2DOcuv1s-sQvMYhSWuD9ZoSPC1Nv8yuouO5V~CrszHK73-tAn5JDLp~847kJrspk6D-CCxXEDOsyAwIxnI8BDJie8lYQ6dLh46MNGdQqx41wLgh5g7A3HkRGkR52yhhRhfLcpynKMvBFqk0--v~OphFLPgtWYmplcgdm1BdfGo0Wr11w7z0CqzEbuGS~-GIMPPlEcZy2Crg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the March 19 CPRA board meeting, federal affairs presenter Neil McMillan summarized recent federal administration changes, new executive orders, and the FY2025 appropriations status and potential impacts on Corps‑led coastal projects.

Key points: McMillan said the new administration has rescinded certain prior executive orders tied to climate and environmental justice, emphasized a renewed focus on traditional energy permitting and offshore oil and gas, and issued direction that could pause or change earlier wind leasing practices. He noted the Department of Interior and EPA leadership changes awaiting or receiving confirmation and said changes at the Office of Management and Budget could affect Corps new‑start funding decisions.

Appropriations and Corps funding: McMillan summarized that Congress passed a continuing resolution to fund FY2025 at flat levels, and that Corps earmarks included in past appropriations may not be delivered unless the Corps includes them in its work plan. He said a supplemental disaster package released a Corps work plan that provided limited Louisiana funding for certain levee slides and maintenance but did not provide broad project‑specific disaster funding tied to Hurricane Francine.

Permitting and Corps implementation: McMillan noted one near‑term change of operational importance: the Department of Defense rescinded its project labor agreement (PLA) mandate for large construction projects. CPRA staff had previously raised concerns that a PLA mandate could increase cost and complexity for local contractors on Corps projects; McMillan said the rescission reduced that particular constraint. McMillan also pointed to Corps rulemaking and the public comment docket under the Water Resources Development Act implementation and invited interested parties to participate in Corps sessions.

What this means: CPRA staff said the federal landscape is in flux and urged continued coordination with Corps partners on project work plans, particularly for major construction such as Southwest Coastal shoreline projects and Morganza to the Gulf tie‑ins. Board members asked CPRA staff about specific appropriations and status of previously announced funding items.","A federal update at the March 19 CPRA meeting covered administration changes, executive orders affecting offshore energy and permitting, appropriations and the Army Corps’ work plans; CPRA staff discussed implications for coastal projects and ongoing Corps partnerships.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6628913,"CPRA announces FY2025 Parish Matching awards to five parishes totaling multiple projects",241,2599000,2840000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2713621-fce6bac28acefcc927f2d81dc7468d8f&start=2599&end=2840","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2713621-fce6bac28acefcc927f2d81dc7468d8f/thumbnail_2599000.jpg","/articles/6628913/Louisiana/CPRA-announces-FY2025-Parish-Matching-awards-to-five-parishes-totaling-multiple-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6628913-dd372630f3e8fb584dda54d3e488a896/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189614&Signature=KxgwZApLKS0cBmxAVtD7QczLac9Iq2gYuGwgairTJ~m8EXww-PNdTp9cbPaZGpgBkxp5ZvcVukk3cfPfYgy16ImRzrXYXPOKWTMDwDL3J~IIn73Q5NR6VhEHii6fJiSKEckF5UmK4An0OAsUVUBfKkk1LlZym7gDct5gN6~yRtOacHXyNkzPTI4FnVhpB77F2fHcwIhVSHs1rCd-DT5uGm02e93pKOwfV3sdxjcPA6qXQkLpVVqo2AlsOW60F8MKwmJ6F8GCcPJmyf5BzO5U2IhimE8aGCqgKpHNzezgp~Tt5RIQ3t9bqc96PoqhAK02NO8g63awPi42tNpB9~94mw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","CPRA staff presented the Fiscal Year 2025 Parish Matching Program awards at the March 19 board meeting, announcing six selected projects from five parishes that together will receive CPRA reimbursements under the program.

Why it matters: The Parish Matching Program reimburses parish‑led projects that align with the state coastal master plan and leverages other public and private funds to advance on‑the‑ground restoration and resilience work.

Award details: CPRA staff said the FY2025 awards will reimburse up to $6,000,000 per project from the statewide Coastal (Comesa) allocation. The board was told six projects were selected from 11 proposals submitted by seven parishes; CPRA listed awards for projects including Vermilion North Shore Phase 2 (shoreline protection), a Tangipahoa hydrologic/habitat project, two Saint Tammany projects (habitat protection and a Lake Pontchartrain lakefront project), a Lafourche Highway 1 terracing extension, and a Terrebonne terracing phase. CPRA staff summarized that over the past two years the parish matching program has funded 13 projects with CPRA awards totaling approximately $13 million and that awarded projects leveraged roughly $48.64 million in total project investment.

Program goals and selection criteria: CPRA described the program’s primary objectives as advancing the coastal master plan, accelerating shovel‑ready projects, maximizing match, and enhancing local priorities. Evaluation priorities included consistency with the coastal master plan, match amount, project feasibility, acreage and ecological/resilience benefits, and synergy with other state projects.

Quotes and context: Brandon Champine, CPRA coastal resource scientist supervisor, said the program’s prior round achieved roughly a 5:1 match on awarded funds and highlighted completed projects such as North Vermilion Bay shoreline protection and Rockefeller shoreline protection. CPRA staff said the program favors projects that are shovel‑ready so funds can be used efficiently.

Next steps: CPRA will work with the awarded parishes to finalize agreements and move toward construction or implementation as project schedules and permits allow.","CPRA announced awards under its Parish Matching Program for fiscal year 2025, selecting six projects across five parishes and allocating awards up to program caps to support parish‑led restoration and resilience projects funded from the statewide coastal allocation.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6628918,"NOAA outlines Raccoon Island engineering‑design alternatives; team advances to 30% design",1141,2219000,3360000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2713621-fce6bac28acefcc927f2d81dc7468d8f&start=2219&end=3360","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2713621-fce6bac28acefcc927f2d81dc7468d8f/thumbnail_2219000.jpg","/articles/6628918/Louisiana/NOAA-outlines-Raccoon-Island-engineeringdesign-alternatives-team-advances-to-30-design","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6628918-afd0969b0d5b432eb516289702bb367c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189614&Signature=dLlo7qLKhIYGHwUo6YGVkqj20jvB2-oUlbGLvR7Q-yY6AR4b8BWXj5DbudkSpfiJmi6UfLl~sDZ6SfICGiOdjTp~LM7j5QwnB8YG7RRKF1ESWEQXKCQb5CykrWPCUjNIQuZgcakbxQMK1mTO02nCaua0Gw2CY6uObBwb1wUl5uJ8UeUfw2qxZF6ryd6s7Ld1RtGjSDbiwoiG4D2dgl4-FUqCx6O~0vFvETz~UH6l6KJzby4GNfVRmKdUfptwJ2aO6uWmNJ5FICKC3qVgLO1H9xsKtoc8cGjEuLgOCyjDKnWaAiwsJc~v9HHR-PqLJZy5a5-Q9GJsWXMjpgdp0eRmRg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","NOAA Fisheries’ Restoration Center presented a technical status update on March 19 for the Raccoon Island engineering‑design restoration project, which NOAA and partners said derives from Deepwater Horizon natural resource injury funding managed by the Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group (TIG).

Why it matters: Raccoon Island is a barrier island in Terrebonne Parish that provides habitat for birds and fisheries and acts as a transition between marine and estuarine environments. NOAA and co‑implementing agencies told the CPRA board that the project aims to restore island form and habitat while establishing longer‑term erosion resistance.

What NOAA said: Patrick Williams of NOAA’s Restoration Center said the TIG funded an engineering‑design project after the Louisiana Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment No. 8, and NOAA awarded a design contract to a Baird‑Stantec joint venture. He described two primary sand sources evaluated: Ship Shoal Block 88 (about 9 miles south) and the nearer Raccoon Point Shoal. NOAA engineers concluded both bars have sufficient sand quantity and quality, but pumping from Ship Shoal would be materially more expensive — NOAA estimated roughly $30–$35 million more — because of the longer pump distance.

Design alternatives and findings: NOAA presented five alternatives (No Action, plus Alternatives 2–5), each including a sand‑fill component and maintenance of existing gulf breakwaters. Alternatives differed mainly in bayside treatments: low‑overflow living shoreline options versus higher emergent rock rubble‑mound solutions and, in the most robust alternative, additional gulf‑side rock breakers. Reconnaissance‑level modeling presented in the meeting showed all restoration alternatives increased island acreage at year 20 compared with no action; NOAA said outputs show substantial gains in beach, dune and back‑barrier habitat and estimated the most conservative upper‑bound restoration cost for the robust alternative at roughly $130 million (reconnaissance estimate).

Schedule and next steps: NOAA said it has advanced to 30% design, expects to complete remaining data acquisition in the coming weeks, anticipates a 30% design review meeting this year, and expects to finish 60% design in 2025. NOAA said it will then prepare the restoration plan and environmental assessment for public review and target a Louisiana TIG construction funding request in early to mid‑2026.

Quotes and technical points: Williams said, “Both borrow areas, Raccoon Point Shoal and Ship Shoal, have sufficient quantity and quality of sand,” and cautioned that pumping from Ship Shoal is more expensive. He described design features under consideration — beach, dune, back‑barrier marsh restoration, and elevated mounds to provide nesting habitat — and said the team will screen down to a single preferred restoration alternative after the 30% design review.

What remains open: NOAA said final construction design, selection of borrow source, permits and the TIG construction funding resolution remain to be completed. Costs presented at the meeting were reconnaissance estimates and will be refined in later design stages.","NOAA Fisheries presented a detailed engineering‑design update on the Raccoon Island restoration project, describing sand source options, alternative designs that include breakwater and bayside features, preliminary cost ranges and next steps toward a 30% design and environmental review.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6628922,"CPRA reports construction progress on Morganza to the Gulf lock complex and launches Grand Bayou Ridge marsh creation in Plaquemines Parish",252,162000,414000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2713621-fce6bac28acefcc927f2d81dc7468d8f&start=162&end=414","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2713621-fce6bac28acefcc927f2d81dc7468d8f/thumbnail_162000.jpg","/articles/6628922/Louisiana/CPRA-reports-construction-progress-on-Morganza-to-the-Gulf-lock-complex-and-launches-Grand-Bayou-Ridge-marsh-creation-in-Plaquemines-Parish","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6628922-f4f38ba92178ce8399ff165668aa0b9e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189614&Signature=Z~DepwxIL0Gp5Ip6UWO4OI84bamRW7lInn5HWzyVyuEf7MQM7yixC3KcnM8O9-dwN1yW8ec9vybXyTZYUe2NrTILrKafEASYhZPSA1rmti~N22q~t1kyZVkwcoTtubdRlvQ9EC461OEWKIADlCVAn-vCR9EI-ZcFCKAooEoNtNpWb3dorvR7J5UCB6P1bm54X9jNqTJtkTsDU6rciUepRTUo2OW3QPogD-DEWgtE~ZTDR~fpTzAEwIKIVqVSeKynzk75VrTTLaY3Fi2gaZJ~8AmBJCFaG7XLDDJkJ~OVfYG4qCUt2S367TMOFz5dRSv7XWTasW2iFt4iZlThBZ0B0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) told its board on March 19 that construction is advancing on major hurricane-protection and restoration work, including the Houma Navigation Canal Lock Complex — a key element of the Morganza to the Gulf system — and a 500‑acre-plus marsh creation and forested ridge project in Plaquemines Parish.

CPRA Executive Director Glenn Lidday said the authority currently manages “108 active projects, 39 in construction, 65 in engineering and design, and 4 in planning,” and that several projects have recently moved from design into construction. He described the Grand Bayou Ridge and Marsh Restoration Project as “a massive, 500 acre plus marsh creation and forested ridge project” that will proceed through the remainder of 2025 and is budgeted “close to $56,000,000.”

Why it matters: the Morganza to the Gulf system and the Plaquemines marsh work both combine habitat restoration with flood-risk reduction. Board members framed the lock complex as a multipurpose structure that will provide flood protection, salinity control, freshwater distribution and navigation control for Terrebonne and surrounding parishes.

Most important facts: board members and agency staff said the Houma Navigation Canal Lock Complex is being built in phases, with Phase 2 described as the largest component. CPRA said the complex includes sector gates on both inland and gulf sides, an operations area, control building and a 75‑foot access bridge. CPRA and partners reported that 68 vertical piles are installed to approximate tip elevation and another 18 are ongoing. CPRA’s presentation listed the Phase 2 construction cost at roughly $320 million and reported the project is about 20% complete with an estimated 3.5 years remaining.

Terrebonne levee‑district leaders and others who spoke credited Restore Act and state funds as primary funding sources. Mr. Alford, identified in the meeting as a local levee district leader, said the gate will stop saltwater intrusion and help redistribute fresh water across the system: “So having that wall there … it stops salt water. Everybody is excited about catching speckled trout in the intercoastal behind some of their houses, but, we hope that stops,” he said.

On Plaquemines Parish, CPRA said Weeks Marine was awarded the Grand Bayou contract and had begun building containment dikes and marsh‑buggy operations for sediment pumping. CPRA said it paired state surplus dollars with federal CWPPRA (Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act) funding and US Fish and Wildlife Service partnership to expand the project footprint. CPRA said completion is expected by December 2025.

Supporting details and partners: CPRA listed multiple engineering and construction partners on Morganza to the Gulf, including Terrebonne Levee District (construction management), C‑Lehi (contractor), Optum, GIS, Delta Coast, T Baker Smith and Tetra Tech, and said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been engaged on Reach A construction. CPRA noted that Corps work on Reach A will tie into state and local tie‑ins being built by levee districts and CPRA.

Board directions and next steps: CPRA said it will present its final FY2026 annual plan at the board’s April meeting for adoption and subsequent submission to the legislature. Staff said the Morganza to the Gulf lock complex will continue through phased construction and that additional work on reach tie‑ins and floodwalls is underway across Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes. CPRA said it will continue outreach and site visits with partners and the Corps as construction progresses.

Quotes in context: Glenn Lidday, CPRA executive director, said, “We’ve got a really good implementation update for you today,” and described the Grand Bayou project budget as “close to $56,000,000.” Mr. Alford, a levee‑district representative, described the lock complex’s expected operational and salinity benefits and estimated the remaining schedule: “we probably have another 3 and a half years, 3, 3 and a half years left on this project to have it built.”

What was not decided: the board received updates and did not vote on new construction contracts during the public portion of the meeting. CPRA said design and construction work will continue under existing authorizations and partner agreements.","At its March 19 meeting, the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority reported construction milestones on the Morganza to the Gulf Houma Navigation Canal Lock Complex and detailed the Grand Bayou Ridge and Marsh Restoration Project in Plaquemines Parish, including funding sources and expected timelines.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approvals: agenda, minutes and vote to enter executive session (CPRA meeting, March 19, 2025)

Federal policy shifts and FY25 funding outlook discussed during CPRA meeting

CPRA announces FY2025 Parish Matching awards to five parishes totaling multiple projects

NOAA outlines Raccoon Island engineering‑design alternatives; team advances to 30% design

CPRA reports construction progress on Morganza to the Gulf lock complex and launches Grand Bayou Ridge marsh creation in Plaquemines Parish