[{"_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",6482828,"mediaKeyId","5779391-fdf0e2e8f08daf023282dcdbfb618d2f","parentId",5779391,"title","CPRA board approves meeting agenda and minutes","audioSeconds",37,"startMs",408000,"endMs",445000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5779391-fdf0e2e8f08daf023282dcdbfb618d2f&start=408&end=445","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5779391-fdf0e2e8f08daf023282dcdbfb618d2f/thumbnail_408000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6482828/Louisiana/CPRA-board-approves-meeting-agenda-and-minutes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6482828-1109642861458c01c8becc32ae0e7907/orig.mp4?Expires=1770502083&Signature=dcuFNjT3G15Gh-h~4VGISwbkcSqhbREFmYzecylQytcJmjhGuNIuwLf6yNA7Iuj1I3lZGMQzFTqirN6VcGBeWmrQHA4CfwYcoZ8FhYuMuDqRhyShRdLJk1skxXs4TXh7GcO7REgjWzPbeV20WOVFfxQGeVQXy2~Mxah1P59~HWIASJch3Tm3HE4h2ML2GKtZ8R2F6Fcepp5xtPMbp63XON79frtK1bCAAQ9tgGvJ1cX8z81EWrh82-CtgsX28JiYiy~lnTHo9puLPSUf8t1S2ZO5scqGr20EzzCr2d4WeME7IevuO5~JVqVoO5COCUyvtHggPhDCfgEynQwhMl~PFQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Louisiana - Boards & Comissions, Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board","date","2025-09-18T21:01:31Z","article","At the start of the session the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board approved the meeting agenda and the previous meeting minutes.

Chairman Dove called for approval of the agenda; the board voted to approve the agenda and the motion passed. The minutes from the prior meeting were approved on a motion by Mr. Corvio and a second by Mr. Jordan; the board recorded the motion as passing.

These procedural approvals opened the board’s program updates and presentations for the day.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","CPRA Board Meeting September 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board voted to approve the meeting agenda and the previous meeting minutes at the start of the session.","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},6482833,"CPRA implementation update: North Vermilion shoreline protection, White Lake planning and parish matching RFP",4598,1082000,5680000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5779391-fdf0e2e8f08daf023282dcdbfb618d2f&start=1082&end=5680","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5779391-fdf0e2e8f08daf023282dcdbfb618d2f/thumbnail_1082000.jpg","/articles/6482833/Louisiana/CPRA-implementation-update-North-Vermilion-shoreline-protection-White-Lake-planning-and-parish-matching-RFP","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6482833-fcd22d32d2c91c3d927006c4d407d86c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770502083&Signature=VtE2NRwweDyk3V-XhOBV8m4h~cTFzDwayF9HZBNisQVh~iZ5B5nlXmYNKR2M49zadZrH1luJfUr71kMXwG5A0cqPGnTa4Dr8hWSWAR6vsf91GxnCKC0-yO-L3~pD9bEKaGHkjKta8X8wamH9VHFz8bC4ml-nxD01RNlN82zRizdooLAXelO3MqBZbGJcA~YX9Xv9uqaB3IVik4zYRMotnmJbr5YhkOLS-P76vxzcYnuDgaZ-Sr4vh3grJGfpE5NseeihtW2BhG4oqhz5DnxCmwf0MrgM0Ft2rXxYA3ifFKBkqpaDzMwXcAmXQYRkzED8U4Mbv2l5nKSBZyqI61w2vw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","CPRA Executive Director Mike Harris and staff briefed the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board on a slate of Southwest Louisiana projects and a new parish matching request for proposals.

North Vermilion Bay shoreline protection: Harris described the North Vermilion Bay shoreline protection Phase 2 project as addressing an area losing nearly 4 feet of land per year. The project will add roughly 3,000 linear feet of rock breakwater to an ongoing shoreline protection effort, increasing the total protected shoreline to about 26,600 linear feet. Harris said roughly $22.2 million has been committed to the project to date, including about $1.2 million from CPRA and about $1 million in matching funds from the Vermilion Parish Police Jury; construction is anticipated to begin in January with an expected completion in late 2028.

White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area master plan: Harris said CPRA and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries are preparing a master plan for the White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area, covering about 72,000–75,000 acres in the management area (LDWF controls approximately 75% of that tract). Harris said a master plan is expected by the end of the year and that some near‑term shoreline protection projects could proceed before the full master plan is complete.

Parish Matching RFP (FY26): CPRA project manager Joseph Johnston previewed a parish matching request for proposals intended to use $6 million in GOMESA funds in FY26. The parish matching program launched in 2024 and has awarded roughly $13 million to eight parishes for 13 projects (marsh terraces, shoreline protection, hydrologic restoration and plantings). The FY26 RFP will accept submissions through Dec. 17; CPRA will evaluate proposals and notify awardees in March 2026. CPRA said eligible projects should be construction‑ready, show parish match and be executable within a three‑year contracting window.

Volunteer outreach and public meeting notices: Harris announced volunteer planting and levee cleanup activities and said CPRA will host a Southwest Coastal home‑elevation project public meeting on Sept. 22 at the Cameron Parish Library.

Board reaction: Members thanked staff and partners, and asked for clarification on budgets and schedules; Harris and CPRA staff provided the funding figures and schedule windows above. The board also praised CPRA staff for outreach to landowners and coordination with local partners.","CPRA provided a status update on multiple Southwest Louisiana projects including North Vermilion Bay shoreline protection, White Lake master planning and a parish matching request for proposals funded with GOMESA; the agency expects construction starts and RFP deadlines in the coming months.",{"_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},6482838,"State officials review Louisiana Watershed Initiative progress: models, buyouts and the Mermentau basin project",194,4189000,4383000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5779391-fdf0e2e8f08daf023282dcdbfb618d2f&start=4189&end=4383","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5779391-fdf0e2e8f08daf023282dcdbfb618d2f/thumbnail_4189000.jpg","/articles/6482838/Louisiana/State-officials-review-Louisiana-Watershed-Initiative-progress-models-buyouts-and-the-Mermentau-basin-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6482838-8625c1b4abe14dc8422d3186e536ef1a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770502083&Signature=gn8dIVYPGQ8omhWmhj48GNCbAasiOEI61GFmOzKMuQ5s7iu2ePVJ~AjmuBlsjMSbMfN91LxkKWOjjcZ-49nwiUswB2~VuUuef6AQZJKfutvR2OTFiK-ysR7pU8anezw7uGUJg4qPESr~cOx~-TjxVVmvN7-pTh-INYrNjLd8LsDip1Ps~31i5L3c56OwDG8poFu6xbVGZu0vHWp4YRTmeM7KwC0HFqkPWyqr8yUhZdcdBohV3jCytFWewqwK8Qn7-5KFtvvtMfqXAiyhteQjMJjxVBwxrDbkitX21lqPX7ZCC1mcAMviWS1uk8Dm-BJJq1-kTHNuvpZja3l8zurm8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Louisiana Office of Community Development (OCD) told the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board that the Louisiana Watershed Initiative (LWI) has produced statewide hydrologic and hydraulic models, advanced a multi‑parish Mermentau Basin inundation relief project, and delivered buyout results from several priority neighborhoods.

OCD Director of Economic Development and Infrastructure Mikayla Connor said the LWI—launched after the 2016 floods—received approximately $1.2 billion for mitigation planning and projects. The program budget allocated $130 million for regional watershed models, $15 million for additional gauges and data collection, $7 million for capacity building grants and nearly $1 billion for mitigation projects. Connor said the modeling work (managed by DOTD) produced 47 HUC‑8 models across seven modeling regions using HEC‑HMS and HEC‑RAS and that the outputs (flood depths, velocities, historic hindcasts and consequence modeling) are now publicly available through a Water Institute environmental data and model catalog.

Mermentau Basin Inundation Relief Project: Connor highlighted the Cameron Parish‑led Mermentau Basin Inundation Relief Project as a multi‑parish effort to reduce prolonged inundation in the Lower Mermentau Basin and to divert floodwaters into marshes to provide sediment and nutrients. The $25 million project has three major contracts: East End locks upgrades (MNC Oilfield Services, $10.9 million; gates expected January 2026; project completion expected March 2026), four water‑control structures (MNC Oilfield Services, $9.4 million; three structures complete and the fourth in final stages) and channel improvements (L and R Construction, $657,000; channel work and lateral cleanouts under way). Connor said the project benefits five parishes and protects residences, businesses and Highway 82 evacuation routes.

Buyout program and participation: Connor reviewed the statewide buyout program (voluntary) funded under LWI priorities. The program budget is $87 million across seven buyout locations. By the numbers, OCD invited 715 homeowners to participate; 307 properties are purchased and 61 are in progress—yielding a 51% participation rate so far. Average award across all buyout areas is about $134,000. Examples provided: Vermilion Parish’s Victoria Acres (49 invited, 40 purchased; participation 82%) and Lake Charles Greenwich Terrace (215 invited, 137 purchased, 16 in progress; participation 71%). Connor said buyout parcels must be maintained by the parish and cannot be redeveloped; they may be used as open space or for flood‑risk reduction.

Modeling and tools for decision making: OCD emphasized that the LWI modeling outputs include design‑storm runs (10‑ to 500‑year events), consequence modeling that estimates structure damage, and surveyed structure inventories. Connor said the tools are intended to support local and regional planning, inform design and better align investments. OCD staff also said they will compare LWI outputs to FEMA effective maps (a formal comparison work order is underway) and continue training local governments on using the models.

Board response and next steps: Board members thanked OCD for the coordination and data products. Connor said the next steps are regional plan development, continuing local training, rolling out a map viewer for nontechnical users and making the modeling catalog searchable and publicly accessible for download and collaboration.","State Office of Community Development reported publication of statewide watershed models, progress on a $25 million Mermentau Basin inundation project, and results from a statewide voluntary buyout program funded through the Louisiana Watershed Initiative.",{"_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},6482843,"Army Corps outlines nonstructural home‑elevation program and pilot success in Southwest Louisiana",314,1700000,2014000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5779391-fdf0e2e8f08daf023282dcdbfb618d2f&start=1700&end=2014","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5779391-fdf0e2e8f08daf023282dcdbfb618d2f/thumbnail_1700000.jpg","/articles/6482843/Louisiana/Army-Corps-outlines-nonstructural-homeelevation-program-and-pilot-success-in-Southwest-Louisiana","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6482843-ceb551f047d32f5ef53f88413637c300/orig.mp4?Expires=1770502083&Signature=eQPZ2fHoMnKi31eJQ0sHjZEtPEhpDfKjeK~j16X0gyAtL~1f2xe7tqgH4noN-rJcbLM1hjAg7WD8HvJtvkHdC3KnF4-auE9QOOibs8gPa6E5-obsC1Ifhh6ArTF8lt2l0A9vnuCstxAixno4mFD0XCaiKcd6tro3wcjzCoLwfhdLy5okHm23-OICpZKmWG015nZAx0rDwcDbDff~3tqtChIEq2VEnkL9D6Zz~Ft394z-NFtOVTrucYdfpH1TuDMtbIGg69tKQQIgF4I79V7hW3385zLB~fvcxlHZU8TVEAJGxnOPv7jXfOoOcCKLgtoqWA7sDeHUpS5z10nL3hVsPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (New Orleans District) briefed the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board on a nonstructural flood‑risk program that raises existing homes and uses other nonstructural measures to reduce flood risk across Southwest Coastal Louisiana.

Colonel Cody Olson, representing the Corps, described the program as a concerted effort to pair structural and nonstructural measures and to learn from a small, federally executed pilot before scaling up. “This is the first home that we were able to federally execute this, and that is a huge win,” Olson said, describing the completion of the Corps’ first elevated home and the second home currently being raised.

Scope and cost estimates: Olson said the Southwest Coastal effort looks at roughly 4,000 homes and includes both flood‑risk management and ecosystem restoration elements. He said the Corps’ current estimate for the Southwest Coastal portfolio came in around $6.8 billion. The Corps also noted an authorization for a related South Central Coast project that addresses floodproofing of 2,240 structures with a current estimated cost of about $1.25 billion; that project is authorized for construction under WRDA 2022 but is awaiting funding for preconstruction engineering and design.

Pilot approach and contracting: The Corps described its approach as staged: a first priority group of about 17 structures used to validate the engineering and business processes; a multiple‑award task order contract (MATOC) planned for June 2026 to provide capacity for many repeated home‑elevation tasks; and a later, larger contract to scale implementation after lessons learned. Olson said the district had designated the district as a center of excellence for nonstructural work to build institutional knowledge and contractor capacity.

Technical challenge and rationale: Olson emphasized the program’s technical complexity and the need to assess home‑by‑home structural and substructure conditions before lifting a house. “Every home is different. Every home was built at a different time,” he said, explaining the Corps’ deliberate pace during screening and initial execution to avoid costly errors.

Timing and next steps: The Corps said it is finishing screening and homeowner selection for the first groups, completing surveys and refining contract conditions for the MATOC. Olson said the district intends to carry lessons from Southwest Coastal into South Central projects and continue to refine costs and efficiencies as contractors gain experience.

Board questions and context: Board members asked about the inclusion of ecosystem components in the South Central authorization; the Corps said the South Central authorization covers flood‑risk management measures specifically and that other ecosystem work would need separate authorization or partnerships. Members praised having local leadership and said they were encouraged by the Corps’ pilot results and designation of a nonstructural center of excellence.","U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New Orleans District reported completion of a pilot home‑elevation and nonstructural program in Southwest Coastal Louisiana and outlined plans to scale via a MATOC approach; Corps officials said the program will inform a larger South Central program authorized for 2,240 structures.",{"_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},6482847,"CPRA and federal partners move ahead on Calcasieu‑Creole marsh restoration with Restore grant expected",217,3427000,3644000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5779391-fdf0e2e8f08daf023282dcdbfb618d2f&start=3427&end=3644","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5779391-fdf0e2e8f08daf023282dcdbfb618d2f/thumbnail_3427000.jpg","/articles/6482847/Louisiana/CPRA-and-federal-partners-move-ahead-on-CalcasieuCreole-marsh-restoration-with-Restore-grant-expected","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6482847-1b15f913f78723ca19016f3b57143573/orig.mp4?Expires=1770502083&Signature=TE-ZishGaxxrbyIPoiS1wn8ntWEZi6z1U0LiwVblPTBOuekexWbt9oR-pvFd7HJtk-MwUczsxCw7gY~Qm0HXCaes9w-Iz5bJyANEwJQ-Kcq-ldavdfWSKRf9wbxiQOh7vW~Y6sJMpsP1M3EA4jxN3aKOBzGQEQUn19DoulxjedLA5CDbLUur4W0CeEtXsARsNHPoL63sRGW6ElFJ~QzSifi0zlmARE1Lt-ObvpJRNtv~5mGjUmI1W5Ntgd71AiSbKRrImVu7a-i2VY-4aks4C3wLDxyGJ9ziNN7UaEZbZIR3VZeIDqqm2rt7a4S-NCefBPLA4DPX2YglbJOp7iMTQA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board approved plans this month to press forward on the Calcasieu‑Creole large‑scale marsh creation and hydrologic restoration project after CPRA staff said a Restore Council grant award is imminent.

The project, managed by CPRA project manager Jessica Diaz, targets about 65,000 acres in the Cameron Creole Watershed and uses a combination of lake‑rim drainage structures with backflow prevention, up to 18 miles of conveyance (channel) improvements and large‑scale marsh creation to reduce persistent flood stress and restore elevation across the marsh.

Why it matters: CPRA leaders said the watershed has experienced decades of land loss driven largely by saltwater intrusion and changes to lake and marsh hydrology. The combination of drainage, conveyance and dredge‑fed marsh construction is designed both to restore marsh elevations and to improve the system’s ability to drain during low tides and cold fronts.

CPRA said the Restore Bucket 1 allocation of $261,000,000 is dedicated to engineering, permitting, construction, operations and monitoring for the project. Diaz told the board that 100% design for the lake‑rim drainage structures is complete and that she expects a formal Restore award “in the coming days,” after which CPRA will advertise the drainage‑structure construction package—targeted for late September or early October.

Project features and schedule: The design includes seven new gravity drainage structures on the lake rim, each fitted with between 17 and 31 60‑inch culverts (159 culverts in total) and inline check valves to prevent backflow from the lake into the marsh. CPRA intends to pair the drainage structures with conveyance improvements—dredging historic flow paths—and to use dredged material to construct at least 1,500 acres of the roughly 7,000 acres proposed for marsh creation. Diaz said phase‑2 data collection for conveyance and marsh‑creation work is wrapping up and that a 30% design for those elements is expected in the fall, with full advertisement for marsh construction targeted for mid‑2026.

Partnerships and funding leverage: Diaz and CPRA Executive Director Mike Harris said CPRA is coordinating with federal partners, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, NRCS, and the Army Corps of Engineers, as well as private sector and LNG mitigation projects. Harris said other sources will be leveraged to expand the project’s reach and called the effort “transformational” for the watershed. CPRA noted the project complements other programs that may supply additional dredge material or mitigation funding.

Operational detail: Diaz described the lake‑rim drainage structures as being designed for resilience: trash racks and backflow prevention devices will reduce the risk of clogging and reverse flows during high lake stages. She said permitting for the lake‑rim structures and the conveyance improvements has been completed and that construction advertising will follow the Restore award.

Board reaction and next steps: Board members praised CPRA staff for outreach and operations in the region and asked about sequencing with related projects. CPRA and its design contractor HDR said the schedule is aggressive so the work can be started within the current federal fiscal year and preserve construction momentum. CPRA listed next steps as awarding the drainage‑structure contract on receipt of the Restore grant, completing 30% design for conveyance and marsh creation this fall, and advancing the marsh construction advertisement in mid‑2026.

Evidence from the meeting: Project managers presented maps and renderings of the drainage structures, marsh placement polygons and conveyance pathways. Diaz said the Restore recommendation had been signed and that CPRA anticipates the grant award imminently.

Looking ahead: If awarded and constructed as planned, CPRA and its partners expect the combined drainage and marsh creation work to reduce marsh inundation frequency and slow land loss in the Cameron Creole Watershed while preserving the five existing salinity‑control gates that support fisheries access.","CPRA and federal partners are poised to advertise construction for a major Calcasieu‑Creole watershed restoration after a Restore Council award is expected; project combines lake‑rim drainage structures, conveyance improvements and marsh creation to address chronic flooding and land loss in a roughly 65,000‑acre watershed.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

CPRA board approves meeting agenda and minutes

CPRA implementation update: North Vermilion shoreline protection, White Lake planning and parish matching RFP

State officials review Louisiana Watershed Initiative progress: models, buyouts and the Mermentau basin project

Army Corps outlines nonstructural home‑elevation program and pilot success in Southwest Louisiana

CPRA and federal partners move ahead on Calcasieu‑Creole marsh restoration with Restore grant expected