Posted on December 21, 2025
Plaquemine, LA – Officials from the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) and Iberville Parish celebrated the completion of the Bayou Pigeon Boat Launch Improvement Project with a ribbon cutting ceremony, marking a major upgrade to one of the most heavily used access points in the Atchafalaya Basin.
CPRA has dedicated over $2 million in state funds to complete updates to address long-standing infrastructure deficiencies and improve access to one of Louisiana’s most treasured natural landscapes. As the eastern gateway to the Atchafalaya Basin, Bayou Pigeon provides boaters, anglers, and nature enthusiasts with direct access to the basin’s extensive swamps and waterways.
“The Atchafalaya Basin is a tremendous recreational and economic asset for Louisiana,” said CPRA Board Chairman Gordon Dove. “The Bayou Pigeon Boat Launch Improvement Project reflects our commitment to working with our parish partners to enhance critical infrastructure that supports both local economies and access to our natural resources.”
The project expanded the number of boat launches from two to seven and added new floating piers to make boat launching and retrieval safer and more efficient. Additional improvements include upgraded parking and trailering facilities, as well as ADA-compliant parking spaces.
“By combining recreational enhancements with coastal protection and restoration, this project strengthens the local economy while preserving access to Louisiana’s natural landscapes for generations to come,” said CPRA Executive Director Michael Hare. “It supports local businesses, improves public access, and reflects our commitment to environmentally and economically sustainable outcomes.”
Beyond recreational use, the Bayou Pigeon Boat Launch is one of the most frequently utilized facilities in the Atchafalaya Basin for commercial activities, including fishing and crawfishing, as well as access for oil and gas industry workers and equipment transport.
“With the completion of the Bayou Pigeon Boat Launch, Iberville Parish now has a first-class access point to one of Louisiana’s most treasured waterways,” said Iberville Parish President Chris Daigle. “This project delivers safer, easier access for boaters, anglers, and families while preserving the natural beauty of the Atchafalaya Basin. We are thankful for CPRA’s investment and partnership in bringing this project from vision to reality, creating a lasting benefit for our parish and the entire region.”
Engineering and design for the project was provided by Neel-Schaffer, Inc., La Terre Engineering, LLC, GeoEngineers, and Fugro. Construction was completed by LA Contracting Enterprises, LLC.
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Contact: coastal@la.gov
