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WRDA 2024 authorizes $5.9 billion Saint Tammany flood‑risk project; CPRA says authorization moves program toward design and construction
Summary
The Water Resources Development Act of 2024 authorized a $5.9 billion St. Tammany Parish flood‑risk project; CPRA said the authorization allows the program to enter engineering and design and later construction phases.
The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority updated the board that the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024 authorized a multi‑feature flood risk reduction project for St. Tammany Parish with an estimated federal authorization of $5.9 billion.
CPRA Executive Director Glenn Ladey described the authorization as a major step that allows the St. Tammany Parish flood risk reduction program to proceed into engineering and design, and eventually construction. “This is the largest federally authorized project in the nation in this word of bill,” Ladey said, noting the authorization follows a four‑year feasibility and environmental review effort with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
CPRA and the Corps described the program as multifaceted, combining structural measures — a levee and flood wall system more than 18.5 miles long — with nonstructural elements including home elevations. CPRA told the board the plan lists home elevations for more than 5,500 residences and work for 827 nonresidential structures; staff said the program would reduce flood risk for more than 26,000 structures in the parish.
Ladey outlined next steps: CPRA will work with the Corps to sign a memorandum of understanding to begin program delivery, followed by design agreements and a project partnership agreement that together will set cost‑share and implementation responsibilities. He said the state and local partners will also continue advocacy to secure appropriations needed to begin construction.
Board members and staff acknowledged the scale and long timeline of the effort. CPRA thanked St. Tammany Parish, the St. Tammany Levee District and the congressional delegation for support during the feasibility and authorization process.
Ending: CPRA said it will present program features in coming board materials and return with details as MOUs and design agreements are negotiated and appropriations are sought.
