Two NOAA-sponsored habitat restoration projects in Louisiana have been approved for more than $64 million in funding. The projects are funded by the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act Program. Together, they will restore approximately 724 acres of wetland habitat. This work will help support resilient communities and sustainable fisheries along the Louisiana coast.
Projects Will Restore Habitat and Protect Communities
Funding has been approved to construct two NOAA-sponsored projects in partnership with the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. Both of these projects will provide additional protection to coastal communities.
East Delacroix Marsh Creation and Terracing Project
The East Delacroix project will support restoration of approximately 414 acres of marsh habitat and 15 acres of terraces in St. Bernard Parish. It is immediately adjacent and oriented parallel to a levee that protects the fishing community of Delacroix, and to the roadway that serves as the sole hurricane evacuation route. The project was approved for $36,469,574 in funding.
Island Road Marsh Creation and Nourishment Project
The Island Road project will support restoration of approximately 295 acres of marsh habitat in Terrebonne Parish. It will provide 1.3 miles of wetland buffer to Island Road, the sole route of hurricane evacuation for the Isle de Jean Charles community. The project was approved for $27,674,698 in funding.
Coastal Wetlands Provide Habitat, Economic Benefits
Coastal wetlands help protect communities and infrastructure from damage caused by wind, waves, and flooding. They are Louisiana’s first line of defense during hurricanes and storms. By providing habitat for fish and shellfish, wetlands also support a statewide seafood industry valued at nearly $1 billion per year. However, with one of the highest rates of wetland loss in the world, the Louisiana coastline has deteriorated extensively over the last several decades. Habitat restoration helps slow this high rate of land loss and sustain the important benefits these habitats provide.
Large-Scale Wetland Restoration in Louisiana
Since 1990, the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act Program has served as the primary means for responding to coastal wetland loss in Louisiana. Each year, large-scale restoration projects are approved for funding by the CWPPRA Task Force. The Task Force is composed of the State of Louisiana and five participating federal agencies:
- NOAA
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Since 1990, NOAA has been the federal sponsor for more than 40 wetland restoration projects through the CWPPRA Program. We have restored more than 12,500 acres of vulnerable coastline and helped build the resilience of coastal communities.
