5: 2012 Coastal Master Plan
Introduction
Other Aspects of the Plan Phasing
Louisiana’s Comprehensive Master Plan for a Sustainable Coast
6: Policies & Programs
yy The master plan supports two state initiatives that help restore the coast: the Coastal Forest Conservation Initiative and the Conservation and Restoration Partnership Fund. The Coastal Forest Conservation Initiative aims to support habitat by acquiring land rights from willing landowners. The program also funds small scale projects that enhance the forests’ sustainability. To date, the program has received $16 million from the Coastal Impact Assistance Program and has
5: 2012 Coastal Master Plan
yy The state envisions operating the Caernarvon and Davis Pond Diversions, as well as other existing siphons such as Naomi and West Pointe a la Hache in order to maximize the projects’ land building benefits. These projects were not included in the master plan because they are already operational; however the state feels these projects are important to our overall restoration strategy.
4: Developing the Plan
yy The state views funding for Mississippi River Gulf Outlet Ecosystem Restoration as described in the 2007 Water Resources Development Act as a federal responsibility. The state will work to secure federal funding for projects shown to be important to the overall coastal strategy.
3: Evaluating Projects
yy We have selected projects that protect the banks of navigation channels as well as shoreline protection projects. Given recent federal appellate court decisions regarding navigation channel maintenance, the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority has begun an analysis of how these important projects should be funded. This analysis will include recommendations for policy change and estimates of associated costs coast wide. For purposes of this plan, we assumed that funding of these projects would be the responsibility of the federal government. When the CPRA refines its final policy in this matter, we will adjust our project costs accordingly.
2: Identifying Projects
Additional Plan Elements
1: Guidelines for the Master Plan
The 2012 Coastal Master Plan presents a mix of risk reduction and restoration projects spread across the entire Louisiana coast. We understand that the sooner we are able to implement the projects in the plan the better off we’ll be. We will begin work on targeted projects in the first implementation period, depending on funding received. We hope that we can increase the amount spent in the near term as the program gains momentum and more funding is provided. We will track our progress each year in the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Annual Plan, which will identify specific projects, schedules, and funding streams.
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