Posted on April 17, 2026
BATON ROUGE, La. — The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) has awarded a contract advancing a major coastal restoration effort in southwest Louisiana that will restore wetlands, improve marsh drainage, and strengthen resilience for coastal communities.
CPRA recently awarded the Lake Rim Drainage Structure contract, a key component of the Calcasieu-Sabine Large-Scale Marsh and Hydrologic Restoration Project, to Baton Rouge-based Dynamic Group, LLC.
“This project not only protects Louisiana’s coast, but also supports a local business and helps our state’s economy,” said Gov. Jeff Landry. “Investing in restoration strengthens our wetlands, protects our communities, and supports good-paying jobs across Louisiana.”
The project focuses on restoring the Cameron Creole Watershed, a 65,000-acre marsh system that has experienced extensive wetland habitat loss over the past century. The watershed is connected to Calcasieu Lake through a series of manually operated water control structures along a 15-mile stretch of the lake’s southeastern rim. However, accelerated sea-level rise has reduced the effectiveness of these structures, leading to prolonged flooding, weakened vegetation, and increased marsh loss.
“This project represents the type of large-scale action needed to sustain Louisiana’s coast,” said Gordon “Gordy” Dove, chairman of CPRA. “By improving drainage and restoring marsh elevation, we are strengthening wetlands that support communities, fisheries, and wildlife in southwest Louisiana.”
The project will reduce land loss by improving marsh drainage into Calcasieu Lake and raising marsh elevations using dredged sediment. Seven new passive drainage structures will be installed along the lake rim, each consisting of 17 to 31 60-inch culverts with backflow prevention devices. These structures will allow marsh water to drain during low tides while preventing lake water from flowing back into the marsh.
The project also includes up to 18 miles of canal and bayou cleanouts to improve water movement from interior wetlands to the drainage structures. Dredged material will be used to create, restore, and nourish more than 1,500 acres of marsh, improving elevation and long-term resilience.
Construction of the drainage structures is expected to begin in spring 2026, with additional components to be advertised later. During design, the project team conducted advanced hydraulic modeling to ensure optimal performance and long-term sustainability.
“Investments like this are critical to addressing ongoing land loss challenges,” said CPRA Executive Director Michael Hare. “By restoring natural hydrology and rebuilding marsh platforms, we are creating a more resilient coastal landscape that will better withstand future environmental pressures.”
This project is part of Louisiana’s ongoing efforts to restore wetlands and protect coastal communities through large-scale restoration initiatives.
