Federal, state, and local officials break ground on Southwest Louisiana Coastal Project

LAKE CHARLES, La. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority held a Groundbreaking Ceremony to celebrate the start of the Southwest Coastal Louisiana Project. This project will deliver a non-structural approach to providing a 1-percent level of hurricane and storm damage risk reduction, primarily through a combination of elevating or floodproofing approximately 4,000 homes and businesses and undertaking much-needed coastal ecosystem restoration in the southwest portion of the state.

This project was authorized through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act).

Colonel Cullen A. Jones, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District Commander said “The Corps is excited to partner with the state of Louisiana to bring much needed risk reduction the residents of Calcasieu, Cameron, and Vermillion parishes. With this initial investment we will elevate approximately 800-1000 homes and construct approximately 11 miles of shoreline stabilization along our coast.”

Colonel Aaron M. Williams, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rock Island District Commander said, “As commander, I represent the many men and women of the Rock Island District who are working hard to help deliver this project. For the Corps of Engineers, this is a true team effort, bringing together experts from both the Rock Island and New Orleans Districts to deliver a project that will reduce risks for the residents of southwest Louisiana.”

“When I was helping to negotiate the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, I was particularly focused on storm risk management,” said Dr. Cassidy. “The progress made with this will protect Southwest Louisiana from storms coming from the Gulf.”

“Today’s groundbreaking represents a major step for the Southwest Coastal Louisiana Project. My office has long prioritized funding for flood mitigation and hurricane protection projects like this one. We have worked closely with our partners at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to carry this project forward. I will continue to advocate for the Southwest Coastal Louisiana and other water management projects throughout South Louisiana,” said Congressman Clay Higgins.

CPRA Chairman Gordon “Gordy” Dove said “This is a historic moment for Southwest Louisiana and a critical step forward in reducing risk for the region. The Southwest Coastal Louisiana project is a powerful example of collaboration and cooperation at every level in order to preserve this treasured area of the state. We look forward to continuing to deliver projects that protect our communities and coastal ecosystems.”

The Southwest Coastal Louisiana Storm Risk Management and Ecosystem Restoration Project will provide hurricane and storm damage risk reduction and coastal ecosystem restoration in 4,700 square mile area located in Calcasieu, Cameron and Vermilion Parishes. Due to its low elevation, flat terrain, and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, the people, economy, and unique environment and cultural heritage in this southwest Louisiana area are at risk of flooding from tidal surge and waves from tropical storms. Land subsidence, combined with sea-level rise, is expected to increase the potential for coastal flooding, shoreline erosion, saltwater intrusion, and loss of wetland and Chenier habitats in the future.