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Federal policy shifts and FY25 funding outlook discussed during CPRA meeting
Summary
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.
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Key points: McMillan said the new administration has rescinded certain prior executive orders tied to climate and environmental justice, emphasized a renewed focus on traditional energy permitting and offshore oil and gas,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and Corps implementation: McMillan noted one near‑term change of operational importance: the Department of Defense rescinded its project labor agreement (PLA) mandate for large construction projects.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.
