Posted on April 15, 2026
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LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – Louisiana is receiving over $200 million in coastal restoration funding from the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act, with $2 million going to Calcasieu Parish and Cameron Parish each.
Environmentalists say the Louisiana coast is suffering in crisis.
“You know we’re losing land by the hour. So it is a full on crisis,” said James Karst, with the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana. “And that impacts everybody who lives here. Even if you live in North Louisiana because of the threats to our industries and our budget.”
Karst said those living closer to the coast face higher insurance costs or unavailable insurance, severe storms and coastal flooding.
“We’re losing wetlands constantly, even during the time that you and I are speaking today, we’re losing more land,” Karst said. “So, it is definitely a severe problem but it’s a problem that we know how to address. In fact, we’re really good at building land in Louisiana, the thing is the type of projects that we do here is expensive.”
