The louisiana coastal protection and restoration authority is being awarded $4,621,103 to assess the feasibility of and generate engineered designs to create 416 acres of marsh between bayou lafourche…

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority of Louisiana $4.621 million on October 1, 2026, under the Habitat Conservation program (CFDA 11.463) to assess the feasibility of and generate engineered designs for 416 acres of marsh creation between Bayou Lafourche and Isle de Jean Charles. The landbridge design scope includes primarily marsh creation but may also include bank stabilization, terraces, and strategic shoreline protection.

The award obligates $5.134 million total and carries a period of performance through September 30, 2031, with place of performance in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The project addresses Louisiana coastal land loss occurring at rates of approximately 4,500 to 6,500 acres annually. The designed coastal wetlands will provide hurricane and storm defense for communities and infrastructure while creating habitat for fish and shellfish that support Louisiana's seafood industry. Funding approval originated from the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (CWPPRA) Task Force, composed of the State of Louisiana and five federal agencies: NOAA, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The louisiana coastal protection and restoration authority is being awarded $4,621,103 to assess the feasibility of and generate engineered designs to create 416 acres of marsh between bayou lafourche and isle DE jean charles. Current land loss rates are approximately 4,500-6,500 acres per year. The landbridge is expected to include primarily marsh creation but may also include some bank stabilization, terraces, and strategic shoreline protection. Coastal wetlands provide defense during hurricanes and storms, protecting communities and infrastructure from the damaging effects of wind, waves, and flooding. They also provide habitat for fish and shellfish, which support a statewide seafood industry valued at nearly $1 billion per year. Funding for this project was approved in january 2025 through the coastal wetlands planning, protection, and restoration act (cwppra) task force. The task force is composed of the state of louisiana and five participating federal agencies: NOAA, U.S. Army corps of engineers, U.S. Environmental protection agency, U.S. Fish and wildlife service, and the natural resources conservation service.