Posted on April 16, 2025
Baton Rouge, La. – Louisiana’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) has initiated Construction Management At-Risk (CMAR) pre-construction services on the Chandeleur Islands Restoration Project. CPRA has selected Weeks Marine, Inc. to provide the CMAR services for the State’s largest barrier island restoration project ever undertaken.
The CMAR project delivery model integrates the construction contractor into the project during the early design stages, allowing for valuable input on cost estimates, scheduling, and construction feasibility. Because of its diverse habitat, abundance of wildlife, and remote location, the Chandeleur Islands Restoration Project is the first large-scale CPRA barrier island restoration project to utilize this innovative contracting model. Weeks Marine will work collaboratively with the CPRA project team and design team to deliver the project.
“This project marks a significant step forward in protecting and restoring one of Louisiana’s most valuable coastal assets,” said CPRA Chairman Gordon “Gordy” Dove. “Utilizing the CMAR approach and bringing Weeks Marine on board early will allow us to complete the project more efficiently and within budget. This model allows us to leverage their expertise from the start, ensuring we make the best decisions for both the environment and our communities. With this collaboration, we’re not just restoring our coast—we’re building a sustainable future for generations to come.”
In December 2024, CPRA issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to identify eligible firms for CMAR services for the project. Proposals were evaluated by a selection review committee based on criteria such as qualifications of key personnel, relevant project experience, and approach to construction. With this selection, CPRA awarded the CMAR services contract to Weeks Marine, Inc. The scope of the initial pre-construction phase of work includes participation in the design process, which involves providing constructability input, cost estimates, and construction schedules for the preliminary and final design phases.
“We’re excited to bring Weeks Marine on board to help ensure the successful completion of the Chandeleur Island Restoration Project,” said Anthony “Tony” Alford, Chairman of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Coastal Protection, Restoration, and Conservation. “This large-scale project is vital for protecting the coastal ecosystems, restoring critical habitats for wildlife, and strengthening our natural storm defenses of the Pontchartrain Basin.”
Weeks Marine Inc., a marine construction company established in 1919, specializes in dredging and marine services. The company operates one of the largest hydraulic dredging fleets in the United States. Since 2018, Weeks Marine has constructed nearly 150 miles of beaches and restored over 12,000 acres of marsh. They are a leading marine contractor in coastal and ecosystem restoration and have completed some of Louisiana’s largest and most complex coastal restoration projects, including the Caminada Headland Restoration Project (Phases 1 and 2), the Terrebonne Basin Barrier Island and Beach Nourishment Project, and the Barataria Basin Ridge and Marsh Creation Spanish Pass Increment. In 2023, Weeks Marine became part of the Kiewit Corporation, expanding its resources and expertise in alternative contracting delivery. This partnership provides access to Kiewit’s $3 billion portfolio of CMAR projects in the Gulf region over the past decade.
“The Chandeleur Islands Restoration Project represents one of the most ambitious efforts to rebuild and protect Louisiana’s barrier island systems,” said Executive Director Glenn Ledet, Jr. “Completing this project is critical—not just for the survival of the fragile ecosystem that utilizes the islands resources, but for the long-term resilience of our coast. This isn’t just restoration, it is strategic protection for our communities, our environment, and our way of life.”
The proposed Chandeleur Island Restoration Project aims to restore 13 miles of the barrier island chain and enhance its long-term resiliency and sustainability. Funding for the current design and survey efforts comes from the Regionwide Trustee Implementation Group (TIG), established as part of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement to restore damages from the 2010 oil spill.
Construction for the project is targeted to begin in early 2026.
To learn more about the Chandeleur Island Restoration Project, visit https://coastal.la.gov/chandeleur-island-restoration-project/.
