Posted on August 6, 2025
Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion Project: This $3 billion coastal restoration project was designed to redirect sediment and freshwater from the Mississippi River to rebuild wetlands in the Barataria Basin, which has been severely degraded.
Cancellation Reasons: The project was canceled due to soaring costs (over $3 billion), permit suspensions, and ongoing litigation. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry stated that the project’s cost was excessive and posed a threat to the state’s culture and industries like oyster harvesting.
Controversy: The cancellation has been met with mixed reactions. Environmental groups and some scientists lament the decision, arguing that it’s a setback for coastal restoration and that the need for action hasn’t changed. Conversely, some in the fishing industry, particularly oystermen and shrimpers, celebrated the cancellation, expressing concerns about the project’s impact on their livelihoods.
Next Steps: The state has indicated it will pursue a scaled-down version of the diversion. However, questions remain about how the previously allocated $3 billion (from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement) will be used, and whether the state will face penalties for canceling the project.
