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