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Coastal Restoration & Hurricane Protection
After being criticized for omitting coastal issues from the initial reform agenda, Blueprint Louisiana accepted the task of trying to further advance the coastal restoration and hurricane protection cause at the state level. The most fundamental changes are in place - the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) created by the Legislature in 2005 and the adoption in 2007 of Louisiana’s Comprehensive Master Plan for a Sustainable Coast. For the first time in Louisiana’s history, there is a plan to rebuild and maintain the coast and a single state authority to integrate coastal restoration and hurricane protection projects. What’s more, significant funding has been appropriated the last two years to begin executing the Master Plan.
In the second special session of 2008, the state provided its largest, single financial commitment - $300 million - to hurricane protection and coastal restoration projects in southeast and southwest Louisiana.
Then in the regular session, two key coastal bills were approved. Senate Bill 367 updates the powers, duties, functions, membership and operations of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) and provides for the integration of state agencies responsible for overseeing hurricane protection and coastal restoration efforts. Additionally, the bill clarifies the conditions under which deposits into the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund may be available for certain infrastructure projects to ensure the safety of citizens living in the coastal zone. Senate Concurrent Resolution 24 is the legislative statement of approval of CPRA’s annual Coastal Protection Plan for Fiscal Year 2009.
SB 367 was passed unanimously by both houses, and Act No. 545 became effective August 15, 2008. SCR 24 also received unanimous approval.
Blueprint will continue to identify and support logical next steps required for Louisiana to seriously address the dual challenges of coastal restoration and hurricane protection.
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