In May of 2023, the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) of Louisiana unveiled the 2023 Coastal Master Plan. This comprehensive strategy, the fourth in a series, aims to combat land loss and mitigate flood risks along Louisiana’s vulnerable coastline. Preserving the state’s rich cultural heritage, diverse ecosystems, and vital natural resources remains at the forefront of the plan’s objectives.
A recent development has sparked concern among environmental advocates and coastal stakeholders: the Louisiana Legislature’s decision to significantly reduce funding for the Coastal Master Plan. Governor Jeff Landry recently signed several key budget bills passed during the 2024 Regular Session. Despite directing over $1 billion to one-time projects, the Legislature allocated a mere $10 million to the Coastal Trust Fund for FY24, starkly contrasting to previous years, where surplus investments ranged from $50 million to $400 million.
Restore the Mississippi River Delta, a key advocate for coastal restoration has expressed alarm over the implications of this funding shortfall. They emphasized the necessity of dedicated state dollars to secure larger federal investments and support critical restoration and protection projects. The organization warned that reducing surplus funding could undermine efforts to address the coastal crisis and send a negative message to stakeholders who depend on these investments.
“The Coastal Master Plan contains more good projects than we have money to implement. For the first time in decades, the Louisiana Legislature decided not to close a critical coastal funding gap with available state surplus dollars,” said Restore the Mississippi River Delta. “We do not have the luxury of leaving funding behind that can help us address the existential coastal crisis impacting every resident and business in the state. We especially need dedicated state dollars, which are necessary for us to receive additional, larger federal investments for critical restoration and protection projects. Nearly eliminating surplus funding for the coast could send the wrong message to millions of coastal stakeholders, communities, and businesses across Louisiana that are depending on smart investments in making our coast safer and stronger for the future."
The plan, developed through collaboration with various stakeholders and based on the best available science, guides billions of dollars in investment for large-scale restoration and risk reduction projects.
Key aspects of the plan include:
The FY24 Annual Plan, an integral part of the 2023 Coastal Master Plan, details the financial roadmap for the upcoming fiscal year. It outlines revenues and expenditures amounting to $1.62 billion, earmarked for 147 projects across Louisiana’s coastline. Noteworthy elements of the FY24 Annual Plan include:
The 2023 Coastal Master Plan represents a significant step forward in Louisiana’s ongoing battle against coastal erosion and flood risks. However, the recent decrease in legislative funding highlights the urgent need for sustained and increased financial support. Ensuring the plan’s successful implementation is crucial for Louisiana’s coast’s long-term resilience, sustainability, communities, and unique ecosystems.
