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CPRA outlines pipeline of 103 coastal projects, readies bids for several large restorations
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Summary
CPRA Executive Director Michael Hair told the board Jan. 21 that the agency has 103 active projects (33 in construction, 67 in engineering and design, 3 in planning) and highlighted major upcoming bids and funding sources, including a $145 million RESTORE grant for a Calcasieu-Sabine marsh-creation effort and GOMESA and other federal funds.
Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Executive Director Michael Hair briefed the board on Jan. 21 on a portfolio of 103 active projects across Louisiana’s coast, saying 33 are in construction, 67 are in engineering and design, and three remain in planning.
Hair highlighted several projects that the agency expects to advance this year. He said CPRA has committed about $2,000,000 to Port Fourchon shoreline protection and that the Calcasieu-Sabine large-scale marsh-creation project—backed by roughly $145,000,000 in a RESTORE grant—was out for bid with openings anticipated on Feb. 3. He said bids were extended two weeks to allow contractors more time to prepare.
On the northwest side of the state, Hair said CPRA expects to advertise the Northwest Little Lake marsh-creation increment 2 project in early 2026. He reported Sugar Ridge Punch Station in Lafourche is substantially complete and that Schooner Bayou’s saltwater barrier work is being re-evaluated after revisiting borrow-source economics.
Hair also described progress on river reintroduction into Maurepas, noting that mitigation-bank credits have been purchased and that CPRA is working with DEQ and the courts to clear outstanding environmental issues before advancing the work. On Morganza to the Gulf, he said Reach K reached substantial completion and that other reaches have advanced through recent bid openings and contract awards.
Members pointed to the opportunity to leverage federal money. A board member referenced a recent congressional package and urged CPRA to identify ways to get those dollars on the ground; Hair said the agency is pursuing delegation-secured funding and pursuing internal approaches—such as changing procurement or leveraging existing language—to speed levy lifts and other work.
Hair reminded the public that CPRA’s annual-plan comment period remains open through Feb. 17 and provided submission instructions (email coastal@la.gov, portal ap27.coastal.la.gov, or mail to Annual Plan Comment, 150 Terrace Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70802).
What’s next: CPRA staff said they anticipate bid openings in February and early spring for multiple projects and will return to the board with procurement timelines and updates as contracts are awarded.
