How are Coastal Restoration Projects Implemented

Projects proposed through the Breaux Act are evaluated by CRD, along with five federal agencies and associated committees, in order to prepare a ranked list of candidate projects. Proposed projects are ranked based on cost-effectiveness, longevity, risk, supporting partnerships, public support, and support of the Breaux Act goals.

The federal cost-share for Louisiana’s coastal wetlands restoration projects is 85 percent of the cost of the project, the State is then responsible for the remaining 15 percent of the cost. The balance of the State share may take the form of lands, easements, or right-of-way, or any other form of in-kind contribution determined to be appropriate by the lead Task Force member. (US Code: Title 16, Chapter 59A - Wetlands)

A numerical computer model, the Wetland Value Assessment, is used to calculate the predicted changes in fish and wildlife habitat for each proposed project and makes comparisons over a 20-year period for predicted future conditions with and without the proposed restoration project. The candidate projects are presented in coastwide public meetings to solicit comments. The combined outcome of these various evaluation methods is used to select the final list of projects, the Priority Project List (PPL), approved for implementation each year.

Following project selection, during the initial planning phase, the conceptualized project proceeds through a two phased process that provides for more efficient fund allocation. Phase I, referred to as “Engineering and Design,” is an in-depth process by which engineers and biologists further develop and assess the benefits of the proposed project. During the engineering and design phase, the ecological review process evaluates each project’s ecological benefits, engineering features, goals, and strategies are evaluated. This evaluation utilizes monitoring and engineering information, as well as applicable scientific literature, to assess whether or not, and to what degree, the proposed project features will cause the desired ecological response. Phase II, referred to as “Construction and Monitoring,” involves the actual building and subsequent monitoring of the project.

Louisiana’s Vanishing Wetlands
The Breaux Act