News Summary
The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) has officially abandoned the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project due to skyrocketing costs and environmental concerns. Originally estimated at $700 million, the costs surged to over $3 billion, prompting a reallocation of funds towards the Medium Diversion at Myrtle Grove. This decision has disappointed coastal advocates who believed the project was crucial for combating land loss in Louisiana. Governor Jeff Landry emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility while the state explores alternative coastal restoration methods.
Myrtle Grove, LA – The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) has officially halted construction on the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project, which was expected to cost over $3 billion and combat coastal erosion in Louisiana. This decision, announced recently, comes on the heels of escalating costs and concerns about potential environmental impacts. The Mid-Barataria project was set to commence on August 28, 2024, but rising costs have led the state to redirect funds towards other critical coastal initiatives.
Initially, funding for the diversion project was capped at $2.8 billion, derived from the settlement funds related to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Previous leadership within the CPRA assured residents that no tax dollars would be allocated to this initiative. However, as costs surged from an initial estimate of about $700 million to over $3 billion—chiefly due to anticipated expenses related to maintenance dredging and adaptive management—the situation drastically changed.
Specifically, recent cost assessments indicated that an additional $1.7 billion would be necessary for maintenance dredging of navigable waterways in the surrounding area following construction. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had already suspended the project’s permit as of April 2024, prompting the current Landry administration to re-evaluate the viability of Mid-Barataria.
In light of these financial escalations, the CPRA has determined that abandoning the Mid-Barataria project would prevent jeopardizing funding for other vital coastal projects across Louisiana. The funds that were designated for the diversion project will now be rerouted towards the Medium Diversion at Myrtle Grove. This smaller initiative is designed to offer quicker and more cost-effective benefits for wetland restoration.
The termination of the Mid-Barataria project elicited disappointment among coastal advocates, who argued that the project was essential to address land loss in the region. The diversion was expected to channel up to 75,000 cubic feet per second of Mississippi River water and rejuvenate approximately 21 square miles of wetlands over a period of 50 years. With the project now canceled, questions loom over the possible reimbursement of $619 million that had already been allocated from BP settlement funds.
Concerns regarding the environmental ramifications of the sediment diversion project had been on the rise even before construction began. Critics voiced fears that the diversion could harm local fisheries, dolphins, and various other wildlife. Additionally, legal challenges regarding the project’s environmental review processes intensified, raising further dilemmas for its future.
Despite the cancellation of the Mid-Barataria project, coastal advocates maintain that reconnecting the Mississippi River to wetlands remains a crucial objective. As the state considers alternative strategies for coastal restoration, the implementation of the Medium Diversion at Myrtle Grove is anticipated as a responsive measure to the cancellation. This approach, involving a smaller diversion footprint, aims to still facilitate necessary wetland restoration without the financial burden associated with the Mid-Barataria project.
Governor Jeff Landry emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility in future project decisions. His administration is focusing on practical and cost-effective restoration methods moving forward, marking a shift in strategy aimed at addressing coastal erosion and other environmental challenges faced by Louisiana.
As the state grapples with the realities of coastal restoration funding and environmental preservation, the decision to halt the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project signals a significant pivot in the management of Louisiana’s coastal resources.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- NOLA: Coast Environment Diversion Louisiana
- Wikipedia: Sediment Diversion
- ENR: Louisiana Pulls Plug on $3B Sediment Diversion Project
- Google Search: Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion
- NOLA: Landry Scrap Barataria Myrtle Grove Diversion
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Louisiana Coast Sediment Diversion
- Dredging Today: Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion Project Funding
- Google News: Louisiana Coast Diversion Project
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
