Posted on March 4, 2024
The state’s coastal authority said Thursday it remained committed to constructing its controversial $3 billion land-building project, responding to concerns that the unprecedented Mississippi River diversion could be shelved after Gov. Jeff Landry’s new administration sent mixed signals over its support.
While the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority statement appeared unequivocal, the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion is still being challenged in court. One of Landry’s new point men on coastal issues had also said last week a report is being compiled on all aspects of the project to date for the governor and implied no position had been taken.
“We are committed to constructing this project, in addition to all the projects outlined in the Coastal Master Plan, and firmly believe it is an integral part of ensuring we can maintain and rebuild our state’s footprint,” the CPRA statement said.
It sought to clarify CPRA Chairman Gordon Dove’s comments last week, saying he and the Landry administration “have requested that CPRA prepare a comprehensive report on the history and status” of the project that could “serve as a resource for getting the administration up to speed.”
“This is not abnormal for incoming leadership, and due to the magnitude, importance, and visibility of this multi-billion-dollar project, compiling this information will be helpful to all in documenting the extensive efforts to date,” it said.
The statement added that “at this time, we have not received requests to re-analyze work such as the extensive modeling analysis or science used” to evaluate the project.
The project is strongly opposed by commercial fishers and Plaquemines Parish officials. The CPRA statement came a day after Plaquemines Parish re-issued a cease-and-desist order halting work at the site near the Ironton community on the west bank of the river.
