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Restoration task force urges reauthorization of QuipRa funding as Dingle‑Johnson expires at fiscal year end
Summary
Staff and committee members urged their congressional delegation to reauthorize 'QuipRa' funding tied to the Dingle‑Johnson (sport fishing trust) program, warning the source expires at the end of FY26; members also raised concerns about selection processes for PPL‑37 and planned outreach to EPA and technical partners.
Staff member Mr. Black told the committee on May 5 that a letter urging congressional reauthorization of ‘‘QuipRa’’ has been drafted and signed by the committee chair and other members and will be sent to the parish’s congressional delegation. Mr. Black said the program’s funding comes from the Dingle‑Johnson Act’s sport‑fishing trust fund and that the act is set to expire at the end of fiscal 2026.
"The Dingle Johnson act is what's expiring and that's the uh sport fishing trust fund," Mr. Black said, adding the letter explains where QuipRa funding is found in federal legislation and what percentage supports the Louisiana program. He said the group hopes the delegation will act before the end of FY26.
Mr. Black also reported frustration about being excluded from recent planning for the CPA/landbridge project and said he is trying to coordinate more closely with the selection process for PPL‑37. He described outreach plans that include meetings with EPA staff (Doug Jacobson) and a CP representative (Wes Leblon) and said a task force meeting is scheduled at the NSU Coastal Center on May 12 with another session on May 27 to prepare proposals and strategy.
Committee members said they will forward the letter to congressional offices and that at least one member delivered letters during a recent trip to Washington. Mr. Black urged more coordination between local staff, agencies and selection committee partners to ensure local projects are included in future funding rounds.
The committee did not enact any binding federal advocacy at the meeting beyond approving dissemination of the draft letter; staff will email the letter to the delegation and continue outreach. The task force will meet on May 12 at the NSU Coastal Center and again on May 27 to prepare for the next PPL cycle.
