The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) Board convened on September 18, 2025, to discuss the parish matching program aimed at enhancing coastal resilience in Louisiana. The meeting outlined the proposal process, eligibility criteria, and project types eligible for funding under this initiative.

The session began with an overview of the parish matching program, which was established in 2024. Since its inception, the program has awarded $13 million to eight parishes, with a matching contribution of over $3.6 million. Currently, 13 projects are underway, focusing on various restoration efforts, including marsh separation, shoreline protection, and hydrologic restoration.

For the fiscal year 2026, the CPRA has allocated $6 million for priority projects. Eligible parishes can collaborate on proposals, provided they designate a lead parish. The program emphasizes the construction phase of projects, although engineering and design may be considered if they are part of a construction plan.

The meeting highlighted several project types that could be proposed, including resilience measures, stormwater management, vegetation plantings, and living shorelines. The timeline for submitting proposals is from the meeting date until December 17, 2025, followed by an evaluation phase lasting a couple of months. The evaluation will consider alignment with the 2023 master plan, funding certainty, project feasibility, and potential benefits to the restoration area.

Notifications regarding selected proposals will be made in March 2026, leading to the implementation phase, which includes contracting and project execution. Proposals must be concise, limited to seven pages, and include detailed contact information for the parish lead. The CPRA encourages parishes to request funding judiciously to maximize participation across multiple projects.

In conclusion, the CPRA Board's meeting set a clear path for parishes to engage in coastal restoration efforts, emphasizing collaboration and timely project execution to enhance Louisiana's coastal resilience. Further details and resources are available on the CPRA website.