Committed to our coast - Louisiana's Comprehensive Master Plan for a Sustainable Coast
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State of Louisiana
2017
The Honorable John Bel Edwards, Governor
Louisiana’s Comprehensive Master Plan for a Sustainable Coast
Louisiana’s Comprehensive
Coastal Protection and Restoration
Authority of Louisiana
Master Plan for a Sustainable Coast
coastal.louisiana.gov committed to our coast
committed to our coast
2017 Draft Plan Release
This public document is published at a total
cost of $11,808. One thousand copies of this
public document were published in this first
printing at a cost of $11,808. The total cost
of all printings of this document including
reprints is $11,808. This document was
published by the Coastal Protection and
Restoration Authority of Louisiana, 150
Terrace Avenue, Baton Rouge, La, 70802, to
promulgate the comprehensive master plan,
to report to the Louisiana Legislature, and
inform Louisiana Citizens under authority
of R.S. 49:214.5.3. This material was printed
in accordance with standards for printing
by State Agencies established in R.S. 43:31.
Printing of this material was purchased in
accordance with the provisions of Title 43 of
the Louisiana Revised Statutes.
Photos courtesy of CPRA, NASA’s Earth Observatory, Louisiana Sea Grant, Louisiana Sea Grant, and lotsemann, respectively
committed to our coast LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST
Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority of Louisiana
Louisiana’s Comprehensive
Master Plan for a Sustainable Coast
LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST
COASTAL PROTECTION AND
RESTORATION AUTHORITY
BOARD MEMBERS
Johnny Bradberry Commissioner, Louisiana Department of Insurance
Governor’s Executive Assistant for Coastal Activities Nedra Davis, Designee
Thomas Harris Calvin Mackey
Secretary, Louisiana Department of Natural Resources Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East
Keith Lovell, Designee Representative East of the Atchafalaya River
Dr. Shawn Wilson Jimmy Cantrelle
Secretary, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Lafourche Parish President
Janice Williams, Designee Representative East of the Atchafalaya River
Secretary, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Steve C. Wilson
Pontchartrain Levee District
Dr. Chuck Brown Representative East of the Atchafalaya River
Secretary, Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality
Windell A. Curole
Don Pierson South Lafourche Levee District
Secretary, Louisiana Department of Economic Development Representative East of the Atchafalaya River
Mandi Mitchell, Designee
Guy McInnis
Mike Strain St. Bernard Parish President
Commissioner, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Representative East of the Atchafalaya River
Brad Spicer, Designee
William (Bill) Hidalgo
Jay Dardenne St. Mary Levee District
Commissioner, Louisiana Division of Administration Representative West of the Atchafalaya River
Barbara Goodson, Designee
Laurie Cormier
R. King Milling Representative West of the Atchafalaya River
Chair, Governor’s Advisory Commission on Coastal Protection,
Restoration and Conservation Senator Norby Chabert, Ex-officio
Designee of Senate President John Alario
James Waskom
Director, Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Representative Tanner Magee, Ex-officio
Emergency Preparedness Designee of Speaker of the House Taylor Barras
Jim Donelon
LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST v
iv
CONTENTS
ES-1 EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY
23 1. CLARITY OF
FOCUS
APPENDICES
Appendix A
Project Definition
33
Appendix B
People and the Landscape 2. PROGRESS ON
THE GROUND
Appendix C
Modeling
Appendix D
Planning Tool
Appendix E
Flood Risk and Resilience
43 3. DEVELOPING THE
MASTER PLAN
Program Framework
Appendix F
Adaptive Management
89
Appendix G 4. 2017 COASTAL
Outreach and Engagement MASTER PLAN
Appendices for Louisiana’s
Comprehensive Master Plan for a
INVESTING IN OUR Sustainable Coast are available at
coastal.la.gov/2017
125 5. IMPLEMENTATION
CHILDREN’S FUTURE STRATEGY
BUILDING A COASTAL PROTECTION AND
RESTORATION STRATEGY FOR THE NEXT 50 YEARS
145 6. LOOKING TO
THE FUTURE
LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST vii
vi
EXECUTI VE SU MMA RY E XE CUTIV E SUM M ARY
EX ECUT IV E
SUMMARY
EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY
OF F OCUS
CLARIT Y
yy INTRODUCTION
yy PROGRESS SINCE 2007
yy A CHANGING LANDSCAPE
P ROGR E SS O N
T H E GR O U ND
yy FLOOD RISK TO OUR COMMUNITIES
yy THE WORKING COAST
yy 2017 COASTAL MASTER PLAN
yy WHAT THE PLAN DELIVERS
yy MASTER PLAN DATA VIEWER
D E VE LO PI NG TH E
M A STE R PLA N
2017 CO A STA L
M A STE R PL AN
I MPL EME NTATIO N
STRATEG Y
LO OK IN G TO
THE FUTUR E
Photo courtesy of
Lindsey Janies Photography
LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST ES-1
01
EXECUTI VE SU MMA RY E XE CUTIV E SUM M ARY
INTRODUCTION
EX ECUT IV E
SUMMARY
BUILDING ON OUR COMMITMENT TO PROTECT AND RESTORE OUR COAST
Louisiana’s coast is a precious natural, economic, level rise, subsidence, hurricanes, storm surges,
and cultural resource. It is an area rich in ecological flooding, disconnecting the Mississippi River from
abundance that supports world-class commercial coastal marshes, and human impacts.
and recreational fisheries and is home to an array of
OF F OCUS
CLARIT Y
waterfowl, migratory birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The 2017 Coastal Master Plan sets an ambitious
It is an area that maintains five of the largest ports path to respond to the loss of our coastal land and
in the United States. It is a major energy supplier the threats from storm surge events. The master
of our nation’s oil and natural gas. Above all, the plan, in its purest sense, is a list of projects that
Louisiana coast is home to more than 2 million build or maintain land and reduce risk to our
people – nearly half of the state’s population. Our communities. For the 2017 Coastal Master Plan,
people have a deep and abiding love for their coast we built on the commitment and knowledge gained
P ROGR E SS O N
T H E GR O U ND
and a rich cultural heritage closely connected to from the previous master plans. We used the best
the land and water. available science and engineering to prioritize and
sequence projects for implementation. We made it
This complex and fragile ecosystem is disappearing at a priority to engage our coastal stakeholders and
an alarming rate. Between 1932 and 2010, Louisiana’s communities in the planning process, because,
coast lost more than 1,800 square miles of land. in the end, they are part of the solution and the
From 2004 through 2008 alone, more than 300 most important reason for preserving this national
D E VE LO PI NG TH E
square miles of marshland were lost to Hurricanes treasure that is coastal Louisiana.
M A STE R PLA N
Katrina, Rita, Gustav, and Ike.1 The culprits to this
land loss include the effects of climate change, sea
OUR TIE TO THE LAND
2017 CO A STA L
M A STE R PL AN
A father who remembers fishing in
the local bayou wants to continue the
tradition with his own children. A town
that cherishes its history wants to continue
being a place where people work and
raise families. People who enjoy coastal
I MPL EME NTATIO N
Louisiana’s birding, hunting, and boating
want those activities to remain vital parts
STRATEG Y
of their lives. Such desires show a deep
appreciation for the landscape, and a
recognition that the coast’s value goes
beyond simple utility. This recognition is
at the heart of our experience as coastal
Louisianans, and it is this value we are
Photos courtesy of Louisiana Sea Grant
called to sustain.
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THE FUTUR E
While coastal Louisiana provides the state, region, and nation with important natural resources,
Photo courtesy of Louisiana Sea Grant here the greatest assets are not oil and gas, fisheries, or sugar cane, but the people.
LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST ES-3
ES-2
EXECUTI VE SU MMA RY E XE CUTIV E SUM M ARY
PROGRESS SINCE 2007
EX ECUT IV E
SUMMARY
PROJECTS COMPLETED OR FUNDED FOR CONSTRUCTION
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CLARIT Y
P ROGR E SS O N
T H E GR O U ND
D E VE LO PI NG TH E
M A STE R PLA N
2017 CO A STA L
M A STE R PL AN
PROJECT TYPES
Structural Bank Oyster Ridge Shoreline Barrier Island Marsh Sediment Hydrologic Other
Protection Stabilization Barrier Reef Restoration Protection Restoration Creation Diversion Restoration
SS FIGURE ES.1
Projects completed or funded for construction since 2007. Hurricane protection levee segments depicted here
represent only those segments that have been built or are funded for construction. Land conservation and
I MPL EME NTATIO N
vegetative planting and bank stabilization projects are not depicted.
STRATEG Y
SINCE 2007, WE HAVE COMPLETED OR FUNDED FOR
CONSTRUCTION A TOTAL OF 135 PROJECTS, RESULTING IN
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THE FUTUR E
NEARLY 31,000 ACRES OF LAND BENEFITED, 275 MILES OF LEVEE
IMPROVEMENTS, AND OVER 50 MILES OF BARRIER ISLANDS AND
BERMS CONSTRUCTED OR UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST ES-5
ES-4
EXECUTI VE SU MMA RY E XE CUTIV E SUM M ARY
A CHANGING LANDSCAPE
EX ECUT IV E
SUMMARY
PREDICTED LAND CHANGE OVER THE NEXT 50 YEARS WITH NO
ADDITIONAL ACTION
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CLARIT Y
P ROGR E SS O N
T H E GR O U ND
D E VE LO PI NG TH E
M A STE R PLA N
LAND CHANGE
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Land Gain
M A STE R PL AN
Land Loss
SS FIGURE ES.2
LOUISIANA’S COAST CONTINUES TO CHANGE
Predicted land change along the Louisiana coast over the next 50 years under the Medium Environmental Scenario
I MPL EME NTATIO N
Louisiana continues to experience coastal land loss, leading to land loss. Navigation canals provided our if we take no additional action. Red indicates areas predicted to be lost, and green indicates areas where land would
be created.
STRATEG Y
triggered by both human and natural forces. Levees nation with critical infrastructure but also allowed
and flood control structures on the Mississippi salt water to invade deeper into coastal basins.
River have successfully provided flood control and Sea level rise, land subsidence, severe storms,
tremendous benefits to the nation. This approach and invasive species add further stress.
to river management, however, has also fixed the
channel of the Mississippi River and tributaries within Land loss reduces shorelines, marshes, and swamps
its banks, depriving the broader coastal ecosystem that are a vital barrier and our first line of defense
against storm surge and flooding. Coastal flooding
LO OK IN G TO
of the freshwater, nutrients, and sediment it needs
2,250 SQUARE MILES COULD BE LOST IF WE TAKE NO
THE FUTUR E
to survive. Dredging canals for energy exploration has become an all too common occurrence due
and pipelines provided our nation with critical to powerful storm surges associated with tropical ADDITIONAL ACTION OVER THE NEXT 50 YEARS.
energy supplies, but these activities also took a toll events made worse over the years by subsidence,
on the landscape, altering wetland hydrology and sea level rise, and coastal land loss.
LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST ES-7
ES-6EXECUTI VE SU MMA RY E XE CUTIV E SUM M ARY
FLOOD RISK TO OUR COMMUNITIES
EX ECUT IV E
SUMMARY
PREDICTED FUTURE INUNDATION FROM A 100-YEAR FLOOD EVENT WITH NO
ADDITIONAL ACTION
OF F OCUS
CLARIT Y
P ROGR E SS O N
T H E GR O U ND
D E VE LO PI NG TH E
M A STE R PLA N
FLOOD DEPTHS
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1-3 ft 7-9 ft 13-15 ft
M A STE R PL AN
4-6 ft 10-12 ft Over 15 ft
SS FIGURE ES.3
Estimated flood depths for a 100-year flood 50 years from now under the Medium Environmental Scenario
LOUISIANA IS DEVELOPING A BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS with a degraded landscape and no additional flood protection. These flood depths represent a broad
planning level evaluation of overall future flood risk.
In response to continued land loss and increasing to face highlight the importance of funding and
I MPL EME NTATIO N
flood risk and to improve the sustainability of our implementing strategic measures to reduce and
coastal landscape, communities, and economic mitigate risk and to improve the sustainability of OUR CHALLENGES
STRATEG Y
future, Louisiana relies on the master planning the coast. By doing so, we improve the resilience
process to define and implement projects that of our economies, increase protection for Louisiana Every day, the lives and livelihoods of our
proactively address known and anticipated threats. homes and businesses, improve the health of our residents are affected by the challenges and
Working in partnership with our local, state, coastal ecosystem, and support the future of our outcomes of land loss in coastal areas. A family
regional, and federal partners, we are building our unique culture and communities. may be forced to leave a community their family
future together. has called home for generations to move to
The master plan approach that we have established
areas protected by levees or to higher ground
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THE FUTUR E
The intrinsic value of our coast as home to millions since our first plan in 2007 and the technical tools
of people, critical infrastructure, and acres of we have developed can be used as a framework to out of harm’s way. A local business or individual
vibrant natural habitats make our coast one of assist other regions, such as Miami, New York, and the may have trouble obtaining insurance, or an
the nation’s most unique and valuable landscapes. Outer Banks, to implement adaptation strategies. investment may lose value because of uncertainty
The challenges we have overcome and continue about the future of our ever-changing landscape.
Photo courtesy of Louisiana Sea Grant
LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST ES-9
ES-8EXECUTI VE SU MMA RY E XE CUTIV E SUM M ARY
THE WORKING COAST
EX ECUT IV E
SUMMARY
VALUING A NATIONAL TREASURE
COASTAL INVESTMENTS Ports, natural habitat for birds and other wildlife, protection This is our home. Our actions over the next two decades will BRINGING IT BACK HOME
HAVE NATIONAL for oil and gas infrastructure – there is a substantial amount of decide whether Louisiana’s coast survives. The decisions are not
SIGNIFICANCE documentation describing what the coast provides the region easy. They require us to change some of the things we do now,
and country. but these decisions are ours to make, together. We know the
OF F OCUS
CLARIT Y
coast is changing in increasingly drastic ways. We have a choice
What sets our statistics apart from other coastal areas? For to make. Do we allow the changing coast to dictate our future
one thing, it is likely that our numbers understate what coastal or do we manage that change to make our future more like what
Louisiana offers the nation. We do not always have data that we want it to be?
captures these benefits. In addition, when assessing the value
of this highly managed, intensively used landscape, we need to Can we embrace the need to change, despite the difficulty? Can
examine everything from the economic output of oil and gas we keep listening, talking, and learning from each other about the
P ROGR E SS O N
T H E GR O U ND
pipelines to the value of supporting more than 5 million migratory best way to proceed? So far, the people of coastal Louisiana have
waterfowl.2 Doing so is complicated and tends to undervalue the said yes, they can. This willingness gives great cause for hope.
combined effect of having so many different assets compressed
into a single region. In view of rising seas and the migration of people away from
Louisiana’s southernmost parishes, some have asked, “Why not
Experts have tried various ways to put a value on the coast’s just give up on Louisiana’s coast?” The answer is simple: our
abundance, more in the spirit of highlighting the incredible gifts of combination of resources and geography is found nowhere else on
our landscape than out of certainty that these gifts can be perfectly earth. The delta of one of the world’s great rivers, vast resources,
D E VE LO PI NG TH E
M A STE R PLA N
captured in numbers. One of the ways researchers assign value to and wetland habitats – these things are all here in coastal Louisiana
natural systems is by considering what are known as ecosystem and they are worth celebrating and protecting.
services, meaning the benefits that the environment provides to
people. In Louisiana, these benefits range from oyster and shrimp In fact, the region is growing and jobs are being created because the
fisheries, to flood reduction, to nature-based tourism. country needs what flows from Louisiana’s coast. Our transportation
and energy hubs cannot be replicated anywhere else, nor can
In 2010, seven independent researchers examined the coast’s provision our world-renowned culture. Our efforts to protect these assets
of ecosystem services. Their report stated that the Mississippi River through science-based coastal planning has spurred new cycles of
2017 CO A STA L
M A STE R PL AN
Delta provides at least $12 to $47 billion in benefits to people each investment and innovation. As long as people need what our coast
year. If this natural capital were treated like an economic asset, gives, we will be here in coastal Louisiana making the Working
its total economic benefit to the nation would be $330 billion to Coast our home.
$1.3 trillion per year. Over a 100-year period, the value of the
coast’s ecological services alone would be between $237 billion
and $4.7 trillion.3 The researchers note that many data gaps AT THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENCE AND INNOVATION
remain in our understanding of what the coast provides. As
The unprecedented investment in coastal restoration and risk reduction in the last 10 years
I MPL EME NTATIO N
we learn more, our appreciation for the coast’s value will likely
increase significantly. has put Louisiana at the forefront of using science and innovation to plan a sustainable future
STRATEG Y
for our coastal communities and our valuable ecosystem. Our master plan approach with
its long-term view, consideration of climate change, and integration of natural system and
community resilience now leads the nation in large-scale ecosystem restoration thinking.
The modeling approach, designed specifically to address the needs of the planning process
and providing quantitative comparisons of options for action, is used across the world as a
model for science-based coastal decision making. The close working relationships we have
formed among researchers and practitioners, scientists and design engineers, agencies
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THE FUTUR E
and academics, enables us to capitalize on years of study to move projects from concept
to construction in a few years. This represents a significant workforce opportunity in coastal
Louisiana with employment in the water management sector projected to increase 23% over
the next 10 years.4
Photo courtesy of Louisiana Sea Grant
LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST ES-11
ES-10EXECUTI VE SU MMA RY E XE CUTIV E SUM M ARY
EX ECUT IV E
SUMMARY
OF F OCUS
CLARIT Y
P ROGR E SS O N
T H E GR O U ND
D E VE LO PI NG TH E
M A STE R PLA N
Photo courtesy of Louisiana Sea Grant
Louisiana’s wetlands protect valuable infrastructure producers or south to international markets. In
from storm surge and flooding. These assets 2014, Louisiana had the second highest commercial
include fisheries, oil and gas pipelines, petroleum fishing landings in the United States (approximately
2017 CO A STA L
M A STE R PL AN
reserves, and the Henry Hub – a national distribution 1 billion pounds).5 This abundance is only possible
point for natural gas. The Mississippi River and because our coastal wetlands provide habitats
related ports and navigation channels provide for these species at varying stages in their lives.
the conduits for sending goods, such as bulk
cargo and petrochemical products, north to U.S.
I MPL EME NTATIO N
COASTAL LOUISIANA’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE NATION’S
ECONOMY RUNS INTO THE HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS OF
STRATEG Y
DOLLARS EACH YEAR, AND OUR COASTAL WETLANDS ARE
CENTRAL TO THESE CONTRIBUTIONS. FROM AN ECONOMIC
STANDPOINT ALONE, RESTORING THE WETLANDS MAKES
SENSE, WHETHER YOU LOOK AT IT FROM THE VANTAGE POINT
OF AN ECONOMIST, AN ECOLOGIST, OR A COASTAL RESIDENT
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WHO KNOWS THE VALUE OF THE LANDSCAPE FIRST HAND.
THE FUTUR E
SS FIGURE ES.4
Together, the Louisiana coast and the Mississippi River create billions in economic value.4,5,6,7,8,9
LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST ES-13
ES-12EXECUTI VE SU MMA RY E XE CUTIV E SUM M ARY
2017 COASTAL MASTER PLAN
EX ECUT IV E
SUMMARY
A $50 BILLION INVESTMENT DESIGNED TO BUILD AND MAINTAIN LAND, REDUCE
FLOOD RISK TO COMMUNITIES, AND PROVIDE HABITATS TO SUPPORT ECOSYSTEMS
OF F OCUS
CLARIT Y
P ROGR E SS O N
T H E GR O U ND
D E VE LO PI NG TH E
M A STE R PLA N
2017 CO A STA L
M A STE R PL AN
PROJECT TYPES
Structural Nonstructural Ridge Shoreline Barrier Island Marsh Sediment Hydrologic
Protection Protection Restoration Protection Restoration Creation Diversion Restoration
SS FIGURE ES.5
The 2017 Coastal Master Plan includes 76 restoration, 12 structural risk reduction, and 32 nonstructural risk
I MPL EME NTATIO N
reduction projects that will be implemented throughout coastal Louisiana. Restoration projects build or maintain
land and support productive habitat for commercially and recreationally important activities coast wide. Structural
STRATEG Y
risk reduction projects reduce flood risk by acting as physical barriers against storm surge. Nonstructural risk
reduction projects elevate and floodproof buildings and help property owners prepare for flooding or move
out of areas of high flood risk.
2017 COASTAL MASTER PLAN PROJECTS
The plan recommends 120 projects that build or The diversity of projects reflects the need to use all THE PLAN RECOMMENDS 120 PROJECTS THAT BUILD OR MAINTAIN
maintain more than 800 square miles of land and tools available to us, and to construct projects that MORE THAN 800 SQUARE MILES OF LAND AND REDUCE EXPECTED
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THE FUTUR E
reduce expected damage by $8.3 billion annually by build land and reduce risk in the near term while
year 50, or by more than $150 billion over the next also investing in projects like sediment diversions DAMAGE BY $8.3 BILLION ANNUALLY BY YEAR 50, OR BY MORE
50 years, and are expected to pay for themselves and structural risk reduction projects that provide THAN $150 BILLION OVER THE NEXT 50 YEARS.
three times over the course of implementing long-term benefits.
the plan.
LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST ES-15
ES-14EXECUTI VE SU MMA RY E XE CUTIV E SUM M ARY
WHAT THE PLAN DELIVERS
EX ECUT IV E
SUMMARY
BUILDING AND MAINTAINING LAND AND REDUCING FLOOD RISK
yy The plan dedicates nearly $18 billion to marsh creation using dredged material, $5 billion to
sediment diversions, and more than $2 billion to other types of restoration projects – providing
land building benefits of more than 800 square miles, compared to the Future Without Action.
OF F OCUS
yy The plan dedicates $19 billion for structural risk reduction and $6 billion for nonstructural risk
CLARIT Y
reduction; these projects will save more than $8.3 billion in annual economic damage by year
50 as compared to Future Without Action and are expected to pay for themselves three times
over the course of implementing the plan.
yy The Flood Risk and Resilience Program focuses on proactive investments to make our
communities more resilient. It provides for floodproofing of more than 1,400 structures,
elevation of more than 22,500 structures, and acquisition of approximately 2,400 structures
P ROGR E SS O N
T H E GR O U ND
in areas that are most at risk.
yy We know our risk will increase into the future, but through a combination of structural and
nonstructural risk reduction projects, we estimate that we can reduce the expected annual
damage we would face from storm surge by more than 75% for the Houma, Slidell, Franklin and
Charenton, Edgard, Kenner and Metairie, lower St. Mary, and Prairieville and Sorrento regions,
and by more than 90% for the Garyville, Ama, Laplace and Reserve, Algiers, Hahnville and
SS FIGURE ES-6
Luling, Montz, Donaldsonville, Convent, Vacherie, Larose and Golden Meadow, Morgan City,
By the end of 50 years, restoration projects in the 2017 Coastal Master Plan have the potential to create or
D E VE LO PI NG TH E
Abbeville and Delcambre, and Iberia regions.
M A STE R PLA N
maintain approximately 800 square miles of land under the Medium Environmental Scenario as compared to
Future Without Action. The land building benefits provided by many of the restoration projects will continue
beyond 50 years. These long-term benefits will support the key issues affecting people in and around
Louisiana’s coast.
2017 CO A STA L
M A STE R PL AN
I MPL EME NTATIO N
STRATEG Y
OVER THE COURSE OF 50 YEARS, THE PLAN COULD REDUCE EXPECTED ANNUAL DAMAGE BY OVER $150B
SS FIGURE ES.7
Projects in the 2017 Coastal Master Plan will reduce expected annual damage from flooding throughout
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THE FUTUR E
Photo courtesy of Lindsey Janies Photography
Louisiana’s coast. Expected annual damage, expressed in dollars, represents the average direct economic
By increasing flood protection and building or maintaining land, the plan supports coastal damage projected to result from a storm surge flooding event in any given year, taking into account both
industries, their infrastructure, and the workforce they depend on. the expected damage and the overall chance of a storm occurring.
LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST ES-17
ES-16EXECUTI VE SU MMA RY E XE CUTIV E SUM M ARY
EX ECUT IV E
SUMMARY
PROTECTING AND RESTORING LOUISIANA’S COAST yy The ecosystem benefits provided by the plan will support commercial and recreational fisheries
and wildlife coast wide, along with other ecosystem outcomes that benefit our communities.
MAKES SENSE ON ITS OWN MERITS, BUT ACTION
AT THE SCALE RECOMMENDED IN THE MASTER yy The plan improves coast wide habitat for wild crawfish, largemouth bass, alligator, and mottled
OF F OCUS
duck, as compared to Future Without Action conditions.
PLAN WILL DO MORE THAN DEFEND OUR WAY OF
CLARIT Y
LIFE. BY REBUILDING WETLANDS AND PROTECTING yy The plan results in increased suitable habitat coast wide for species like adult bay anchovy
COMMUNITIES FROM FLOODING, WE CAN CREATE and spotted seatrout, small juvenile white and brown shrimp, oyster, and green-winged teal
as compared to initial conditions but reduced suitable habitat as compared to Future Without
NEW JOBS, SPUR SECTORS OF INNOVATION, AND Action conditions at year 50.
STRENGTHEN OUR STATE ECONOMY.
yy The plan results in similar coast wide suitable habitat for blue crabs, juvenile gulf menhaden,
P ROGR E SS O N
and gadwall at year 50 when compared to initial or Future Without Action conditions.
T H E GR O U ND
yy The plan provides a blueprint for action that is consistent with and supportive of other efforts
like the Mabus Report, the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force’s Regional Ecosystem
Restoration Strategy, the Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States (RESTORE) Act
multi-year implementation plan, the Natural Resource Damage Assessment Programmatic
Damage Assessment and Restoration Plan, and the mission of the National Fish and
Wildlife Foundation. Additionally, the plan positions Louisiana for continued state and
D E VE LO PI NG TH E
federal investment.
M A STE R PLA N
yy The plan provides tremendous economic development opportunities for Louisiana and
its citizens. Our investment in coastal research has spurred the growth of related fields.
For example, learning to live with water is central to our wetland restoration and flood risk
reduction strategies. The state’s interest in this subject has created a welcoming business
climate for water managers who help communities reduce flooding and promote effective
water management strategies.
2017 CO A STA L
M A STE R PL AN
I MPL EME NTATIO N
STRATEG Y
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THE FUTUR E
SS FIGURE ES.8
The 2017 Coastal Master Plan includes the nation’s largest investment in marsh creation using dredged
material and sediment diversion projects, both of which will provide land building benefits for areas in dire
need. The diversity of projects reflects the need to use all tools available to us, and to construct projects
Photo courtesy of Louisiana Sea Grant
that build land and reduce risk in the near term while also investing in projects like sediment diversions and
structural risk reduction projects that provide long-term benefits.
LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST ES-19
ES-18EXECUTI VE SU MMA RY E XE CUTIV E SUM M ARY
MASTER PLAN DATA VIEWER
EX ECUT IV E
SUMMARY
CONNECTING CITIZENS WITH INFORMATION AND MASTER PLAN PROJECTS
The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) has made public access to information a priority and
accessible through its Master Plan Data Viewer. This interactive tool enables coastal Louisiana residents to
view potential flood risk to their community or property over time as well as land loss projections and various
socio-economic dimensions across the coast. The Master Plan Data Viewer also provides updated
OF F OCUS
CLARIT Y
information on the implementation of projects to enable citizens to stay connected to our progress. The
viewer encourages flood risk awareness and promotes access to resources that can help communities
reduce their flood risk.
P ROGR E SS O N
T H E GR O U ND
MASTER PLAN DATA VIEWER
D E VE LO PI NG TH E
M A STE R PLA N
Photo courtesy of CPRA
2017 CO A STA L
M A STE R PL AN
TALK TO US
SS FIGURE ES.9 People want to know that their communities are being fully considered as decisions are made
Learn more about how flood risk impacts communities today and in the future, as well as how to make
about projects and programs. Others worry that a particular project will make their lives
your community safer and more resilient. The Master Plan Data Viewer integrates and displays the results from
the master plan along with additional coast wide data that allow for a broad examination of how flood risk
difficult. To all of these people we say, “talk to us.” We want to hear your concerns.
I MPL EME NTATIO N
impacts communities.
Our mission is to keep listening, learning, and having conversations with coastal residents.
STRATEG Y
Comment on the master plan. Attend a community forum or request that a staff member from
CPRA come and speak to your citizens’ group. Email us at masterplan@la.gov.
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THE FUTUR E
Visit the Master Plan Data Viewer at
http://cims.coastal.louisiana.gov/masterplan/
LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST ES-21
ES-201: CLARI TY OF FO CU S 1: CLAR ITY OF FOCUS
EX ECUT IV E
SUMMARY
Chapter 1
CLARITY OF
OF F OCUS
CLARIT Y
FOCUS
yy OUR TREASURED COAST
P ROGR E SS O N
T H E GR O U ND
yy OUR STRONG NATIONAL TIES
yy WHAT'S NEW IN 2017
yy OUR COMMITMENT
D E VE LO PI NG TH E
M A STE R PLA N
2017 CO A STA L
M A STE R PL AN
I MPL EME NTATIO N
STRATEG Y
LO OK IN G TO
THE FUTUR E
Photo courtesy of
Louisiana Sea Grant
LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST 23
221: CLARI TY OF FO CU S 1: CLAR ITY OF FOCUS
OUR TREASURED COAST
EX ECUT IV E
SUMMARY
LOUISIANA’S COAST – A PRECIOUS NATURAL, CULTURAL, AND
ECONOMIC RESOURCE
OF F OCUS
CLARIT Y
P ROGR E SS O N
T H E GR O U ND
Photo courtesy of Louisiana Sea Grant
Our treasured coast is home to more than coastal communities from storm surge, they are
D E VE LO PI NG TH E
2 million people who live, work, and play in coastal vibrant nurseries and habitat for countless plants
M A STE R PLA N
Louisiana just as many of our families have done and animals, and they help filter pollutants from
for generations. Louisiana’s diverse residents and runoff on its way to the Gulf of Mexico and
visitors feel a bond with the coast that brings a oceans beyond.
unique quality of life to our communities. This bond
derives from long-held cultural and economic ties The coast is home to a vast array of waterfowl,
to the ever-changing interaction of land, water, and migratory birds, reptiles, and amphibians, and is
people that defines life in the coastal area. Our a popular destination for wildlife watching and
waterfowl hunting. In fact, our wetlands provide
2017 CO A STA L
dynamic landscape is unmatched anywhere in the
M A STE R PL AN
United States. winter habitat for more than 5 million migratory
waterfowl (an astonishing 20% of the entire
Year round, our wetlands and estuaries support continent’s water bird population) and offer stopover
breeding, spawning, feeding, and nursery habitat habitat for millions of other migratory birds. Many
for many fish species. Louisiana is both America’s of these species are considered Species of Greatest
top recreational fishing destination and a primary Conservation Need. Of the more than 100 species
contributor to the nation’s seafood supply. As the most in need of conservation action within the
I MPL EME NTATIO N
#1 provider of shrimp, oysters, blue crabs, crawfish, state, almost a third depend on coastal habitats
STRATEG Y
and alligators in the United States,10 Louisiana’s for their continued survival.13
commercial fishing industry produces 25% of all
the seafood in the nation,11 generating a total From hunting and
annual economic benefit of well over $2.4 billion fishing to nature trails
and more than 26,300 local jobs.12 Saltwater and and swamp treks,
coastal freshwater recreational fishing generates a Louisiana’s coast Ecosystems are nature’s way of contributing to resilient communities, the health
total annual economic benefit of over $3.1 billion draws recreation and safety of vulnerable populations, and economic prosperity. The 2017
and more than 34,000 local jobs.12 enthusiasts from far Coastal Master Plan integrates and emphasizes the value and functionality of
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and wide, annually the coastal ecosystem. This approach informs planning and decision making,
Our wetlands account for 40 to 45% of all coastal contributing more
preserves and enhances the benefits provided by the ecosystem, reduces the
marsh within the United States11 and are one of than $400 million to
the state’s economy.11 likelihood of unintended consequences, and promotes cost efficiencies and
our most productive and valued natural resources. returns on investment. In this way, the 2017 Coastal Master Plan recognizes the
Louisiana’s wetlands serve as a buffer to protect Photo courtesy of iStock interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic considerations.
LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST 25
241: CLARI TY OF FO CU S 1: CLAR ITY OF FOCUS
OUR STRONG NATIONAL TIES
EX ECUT IV E
SUMMARY
LOUISIANA’S WORKING COAST IS VITAL TO THE NATIONAL ECONOMY
Coastal Louisiana has strong ties to the entire
nation and provides an extensive transportation
The working coast The water management sector (which includes
construction products and services as well as
DISRUPTION TO
THE NATIONAL
annually sends
system for commodity flows to the entire world. more than $120 business services, such as surveying, planning,
Its historic and strategic location at the mouth billion in goods engineering, and design) employs more than ECONOMY
OF F OCUS
CLARIT Y
of the Mississippi River, coupled with the Gulf and services to the 30,350 workers in coastal Louisiana and is
Intracoastal Waterway and extensive pipeline rest of the U.S. and projected to grow 23% over the next 10 years – Louisiana plays a critical role in
infrastructure, make Louisiana the #1 export state exports $36.2 billion that’s more than 13,600 projected job openings. providing gateways for national
internationally.11
in the nation. The working coast annually sends By the year 2025, job openings for occupations and international transportation
more than $120 billion in goods and services to in both water management and energy will of commodities. For example, a
the rest of the United States and exports $36.2 reach 24,200.13 2015 report prepared by Louisiana
billion internationally.11 The coast also supports State University and The RAND
P ROGR E SS O N
T H E GR O U ND
infrastructure that supplies 90% of the nation’s Additionally, Louisiana actively cultivates an ideal
Corporation estimated that direct
outer continental shelf oil and gas, 20% of the Photo courtesy of Louisiana Sea Grant business climate for international trade, fisheries,
and indirect impacts of land loss
nation’s annual waterborne commerce, and 26% tourism and cultural heritage, energy, petrochemicals,
to coastal Louisiana.11 Louisiana also produces in coastal Louisiana put between
(by weight) of the continental U.S. commercial plastics, aerospace, advanced manufacturing,
25% of the nation’s petrochemicals, with a $5.8 and $7.4 billion in annual
fisheries landings. digital media, biosciences, emerging environmental
total value of chemical shipments at more than output at risk. Similarly, they
products and services, and many other emerging
$14 billion a year, and is home to half of the U.S. estimated that increased storm
Louisiana is at the heart of the U.S. petrochemical industries.4 The payoffs are clear: in 2015, Louisiana
damage could have a total impact
D E VE LO PI NG TH E
industry. We are the largest producer of crude Strategic Petroleum Reserves, the largest emergency was named a Top 10 Business Climate in five
M A STE R PLA N
fuel storage of oil in the world. on the nation of between $8.7
oil, the second-largest producer of natural gas, national rankings published by international
the third-largest producer of petroleum, and the location marketing firm DCI and several economic and $51.5 billion, and increased
Coastal Louisiana has taken an unprecedented disruption to economic activity
third-leading state in petroleum refining. Our Outer development, business facilities, chief executive,
approach to tackling flood risk reduction, coastal leading to $5 to $51 billion in total
Continental Shelf houses 88% of U.S. offshore oil and site selection magazines.
restoration, and urban water management – and in lost output, including indirect and
rigs. Louisiana’s 15 natural gas storage facilities
doing so, catalyzed the development of a burgeoning induced effects. For these reasons
have a processing capacity of 18.5 billion cubic
water sector dedicated to environmental challenges and more, Louisiana is committed
feet per day, enabling our coast to provide 20%
related to efficient water management. Louisiana to adapting to our changing
of all domestic natural gas production. Our six
2017 CO A STA L
M A STE R PL AN
has created exportable expertise that uniquely landscape and combating
refineries process more than 2.9 million barrels of
positions its water management sector to compete Louisiana’s coastal future risk.11
gasoline per day, the second largest capacity in
for private and government water management habitats directly
the United States.4 Of the annual $747 billion in
jobs nationally and globally.13 affect the health
national refined petroleum production, $71 billion
and biodiversity
(9.5% of all national production) is attributable of the entire gulf
region. In fact,
I MPL EME NTATIO N
the federal Gulf
Coast Ecosystem
STRATEG Y
Restoration Council
recognizes our
coast as integral to
NOWHERE IN THE NATION IS THERE A REGION THAT restoring the health
SIMULTANEOUSLY OFFERS GLOBALLY IMPORTANT HABITAT and resilience of
the entire Gulf of
AND THE BREADTH OF ECONOMIC ASSETS AND HUMAN Mexico ecosystem.
CAPITAL FOUND IN COASTAL LOUISIANA.
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THE FUTUR E
Photo courtesy of iStock
LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST 27
261: CLARI TY OF FO CU S 1: CLAR ITY OF FOCUS
WHAT'S NEW IN 2017
EX ECUT IV E
SUMMARY
LOUISIANA IS FOCUSED ON PROJECTS THAT BUILD LAND AND REDUCE RISK,
WHILE BALANCING DIVERSE OBJECTIVES
AN AMBITIOUS PATH Developed using the best available science and engineering, the The 2017 Coastal Master Plan considers an array of new project ideas NEW IDEAS AND
TO IMPLEMENT 2017 Coastal Master Plan moves us toward our collective goals of not evaluated in 2012, most of which were submitted from across INFORMATION
EFFECTIVE PROJECTS reducing economic losses to homes and business from storm surge the coast by stakeholders. The result captured local knowledge of
flooding, promoting sustainable ecosystems, providing habitats areas and problems and broadened transparency and inclusiveness.
OF F OCUS
CLARIT Y
for a variety of commercial and recreational activities coast wide,
strengthening communities, and supporting business and industry. The 2012 Coastal Master Plan was developed using state-of-the- IMPROVED
In providing a clear path forward, the 2017 Coastal Master Plan art analysis, and the 2017 effort builds upon this. The improved ANALYSIS
builds on past planning efforts from the 2007 and 2012 master project evaluation process reflects a deeper understanding of
plans and incorporates a keener focus on communities and flood Louisiana’s current coastal environment and the changes expected
resilience, new ideas and information, improved science and analysis, over the next 50 years. More advanced modeling tools were used
and expanded stakeholder engagement. to evaluate the projects considered for the 2017 plan. A larger
P ROGR E SS O N
T H E GR O U ND
geographic area and a wider range of ecosystem outcomes were
AN EMPHASIS ON The goals of coastal restoration and risk reduction ultimately support incorporated, including additional fisheries and wildlife species. The
COMMUNITIES the people who live and work in coastal Louisiana. More than ever, spatial details of hydrology and flood risk models were increased.
the 2017 Coastal Master Plan places a greater focus on our local Altogether, these efforts establish a solid scientific and technical
communities. It is important to understand the cost of continued foundation for the plan now and in the years to come.
land loss and the potential effects of protection and restoration
projects on local communities, local businesses, and regional and The 2017 Coastal Master Plan builds upon existing partnerships. EXPANDED
Input was gathered from a diverse range of coastal stakeholders PARTNERSHIPS AND
D E VE LO PI NG TH E
national economies. This plan weaves together the story of our
M A STE R PLA N
coast, reflecting on past efforts but steadily moving forward to and extensive dialogue with the public. These partnerships include COLLABORATION
protect Louisiana’s coastal communities. a coastal stakeholder advisory group as well as focus groups that
represent Louisiana’s coastal communities, landowners, and commercial
activities (fisheries, navigation, energy, and industry). Coastal
How does our master plan relate Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) is also coordinating
to Louisiana's coastal residents? closely with key groups, such as floodplain managers, hazard
Appendix B, People and the mitigation specialists, other state agencies, and non-government
Landscape, discusses issues of
organizations (NGOs). CPRA continues to reach out to the public
2017 CO A STA L
special relevance to people who
M A STE R PL AN
live and work in coastal Louisiana, in new ways to better share information related to the changing
with emphasis on explaining landscape, a community’s flood risk, and the solutions to create
the implications of rising sea a more resilient and sustainable coast. In the end, these outreach
levels, land loss, insurance issues, efforts have strengthened the collaborative spirit, lending to the
population shifts, and new robust offering of projects in the 2017 Coastal Master Plan that
economic opportunities. will support our ecosystem and reduce risk for communities and
vital economic and cultural resources.
I MPL EME NTATIO N
FOCUS ON FLOOD Using all the tools available to reduce communities’ flood risk,
The 2017 Coastal Master Plan is more than just a plan. It is the guiding CLEAR PRIORITIES
STRATEG Y
RISK REDUCTION AND different types of nonstructural options were explored and policies
document of the state's collective efforts to maintain and restore FOR THE FUTURE
RESILIENCE were refined to help communities become more resilient. As a
result, this plan presents a detailed path forward for nonstructural the coast, built on a solid foundation of science and engineering.
project recommendations, implementation procedures, and policy The master plan is not intended to provide any guarantees about
recommendations. The plan presents a multitude of projects that the future, but rather it provides clarity and focus that enables
help to achieve our collective goal of reducing flood risk while Louisiana to build and implement projects that are the the most
increasing our resiliency. cost-effective investments for building land and reducing risk. In
keeping with the mandate of the legislation that established CPRA,
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the 2017 Coastal Master Plan sets forth a comprehensive approach
that integrates planning for the protection of our communities with
planning for the environment to address the needs of the whole
coastal system. This plan lays forth the bold strategies that are
needed to respond to our ongoing coastal crisis.
LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST 29
281: CLARI TY OF FO CU S 1: CLAR ITY OF FOCUS
OUR COMMITMENT
EX ECUT IV E
SUMMARY
LARGEST RESTORATION
LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE, LONG-TERM VIEW INCLUDES LEADERSHIP AND PROJECT AND CONSTRUCTION
CONSTRUCTION BEGAN ON CAILLOU
COORDINATION AT LOCAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL LEVELS THE CAMINADA CONTRACT IN THE LAKE HEADLANDS THE
HEADLANDS I PROGRAM’S HISTORY FINAL NRDA EARLY
PROJECT IS THE IS AWARDED FOR RESTORATION
COASTAL IHNC LAKE FIRST TO USE CAMINADA HEADLAND II; PROJECT
PROTECTION BORGNE SURGE COASTAL SAND FROM INCREMENT I AND II IMPLEMENTED BY
AND BARRIER, LARGEST MASTER PLAN AN OFFSHORE RESTORE 13 MILES CPRA RESTORING
RESTORATION SURGE BARRIER IN UPDATED AND SOURCE FOR OF BEACH AND MORE THAN
OF F OCUS
AUTHORITY WORLD, BEGINS UNANIMOUSLY HEADLAND 792 ACRES 900 ACRES OF BARRIER
CLARIT Y
CREATED. CONSTRUCTION. APPROVED. RESTORATION. OF HABITAT. ISLAND HABITAT.
P ROGR E SS O N
T H E GR O U ND
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
D E VE LO PI NG TH E
M A STE R PLA N
LOUISIANA’S FIRST BAYOU DUPONT GULF SCOFIELD THE WATER EXPANSION OF SETTLEMENT
COMPREHENSIVE USES RIVERINE INTRACOASTAL ISLAND FIRST CAMPUS IS BAYOU DUPONT REACHED FROM
COASTAL MASTER SEDIMENT FOR WATERWAY USES RIVERINE ANNOUNCED. MARSH CREATION THE DEEPWATER
PLAN APPROVED. MARSH CREATION WEST CLOSURE SEDIMENT FOR UTILIZING THE HORIZON DISASTER;
FOR THE FIRST COMPLEX, HEADLAND LONG DISTANCE TOTAL FOR
TIME. LARGEST RESTORATION. SEDIMENT LOUISIANA
DRAINAGE PIPELINE. ESTIMATED AT
2017 CO A STA L
M A STE R PL AN
SS FIGURE 1.1 PUMP STATION $8.7B.
IN THE WORLD,
Since the first Coastal Master Plan was approved in 2007, CPRA and its partners have worked to make
COMPLETED.
comprehensive protection and restoration projects a reality.
COMMITMENT TO FINDING SOLUTIONS and prioritize projects that build and maintain and surge events. The master plan provides a list Francisco Bay Delta, to name a few, as they work
land and reduce risk to our communities while of projects that build/maintain land and reduce risk to develop and implement adaptation strategies
In 2005, following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the balancing the diverse objectives of the master plan – to our communities that will be refined, planned, specific to their respective regions.
I MPL EME NTATIO N
Louisiana Legislature established CPRA and set in provide flood protection, use of natural processes, engineered and designed, constructed, operated,
Our Mission. CPRA’s mandate is to develop,
STRATEG Y
motion the creation of a comprehensive master build/maintain habitat for commercial and recreational and monitored.
plan for our coast that would be updated every activities, sustain our unique cultural heritage, and implement, and enforce a comprehensive protection
5 years with the best available information, and support our working coast. That groundwork was Louisiana is not alone. If the latest "worst-case" and restoration master plan for coastal Louisiana. In
a fiscal annual plan that details the funding and laid in 2007, refined and focused in 2012, and for scenarios for sea level rise produced by the scientific partnership with all levels of government (including
implementation schedules for projects. 2017, we are building on those previous efforts organizations participating in the United States’ local levee districts) and other stakeholders, CPRA
to make sure our available funding is invested in National Climate Assessment prove to be accurate, is working to ensure that the Louisiana coast
Much has changed over the past decade – additional then coastal communities around the world will face supports our communities, the nation’s critical
hurricanes have ravaged our coast; we experienced projects that pay off now and also provide hope
tremendous risks. The approach we have established energy infrastructure, and our bountiful natural
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THE FUTUR E
the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, the worst for our children and grandchildren.
and the technical tools we have built to develop resources for generations to come by securing
environmental disaster in the history of our country; Our Long-Term View. The master plan is focused our master plan can be used as a framework to funding, improving flood risk reduction, and creating
new funding sources are now available; and sea level on a long-term view and is a vehicle for coordinating assist places like New York City, Miami, and the San and maintaining wetland and habitat.
rise projections have dramatically increased. What has Louisiana’s local, state, and federal level responses
not changed is the state’s commitment to identify to land loss and potential threats from hurricanes
LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST 31
302: PROGRES S ON THE G R O U N D 2: PR OGR E SS ON THE GR OUND
EX ECUT IV E
SUMMARY
Chapter 2
PROGRESS ON
OF F OCUS
CLARIT Y
THE GROUND
yy PROGRESS SINCE 2007
P ROGR E SS O N
T H E GR O U ND
yy PROJECTS UNDERWAY
D E VE LO PI NG TH E
M A STE R PLA N
2017 CO A STA L
M A STE R PL AN
I MPL EME NTATIO N
STRATEG Y
LO OK IN G TO
THE FUTUR E
Photo courtesy of
USACE
LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST 33
322: PROGRES S ON THE G R O U N D 2: PR OGR E SS ON THE GR OUND
PROGRESS SINCE 2007
EX ECUT IV E
SUMMARY
PROJECTS COMPLETED AND FUNDED FOR CONSTRUCTION
OF F OCUS
CLARIT Y
P ROGR E SS O N
T H E GR O U ND
D E VE LO PI NG TH E
M A STE R PLA N
2017 CO A STA L
M A STE R PL AN
PROJECT TYPES
Structural Bank Oyster Ridge Shoreline Barrier Island Marsh Sediment Hydrologic Other
Protection Stabilization Barrier Reef Restoration Protection Restoration Creation Diversion Restoration
SS FIGURE 2.1
Projects completed or funded for construction since 2007. Hurricane protection levee segments depicted here
I MPL EME NTATIO N
represent only those segments that have been built or are funded for construction. Land conservation and
vegetative planting and bank stabilization projects are not depicted.
STRATEG Y
TANGIBLE RESULTS
Since the Louisiana Legislature adopted the first key to success has been twofold – 1) our ability to
SINCE 2007, WE HAVE COMPLETED OR FUNDED FOR
Coastal Master Plan in 2007, more resources have get dollars on the ground quickly and efficiently
CONSTRUCTION A TOTAL OF 135 PROJECTS, RESULTING IN
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THE FUTUR E
been invested in coastal restoration and risk reduction to effect change and continually develop our
in Louisiana and more progress has been made foundation and 2) the science, the tools, and the NEARLY 31,000 ACRES OF LAND BENEFITED, 275 MILES OF LEVEE
than in any other period in our state’s history. The people that support this critical work. IMPROVEMENTS, AND OVER 50 MILES OF BARRIER ISLANDS AND
BERMS CONSTRUCTED OR UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST 35
342: PROGRES S ON THE G R O U N D 2: PR OGR E SS ON THE GR OUND
PROJECTS UNDERWAY
EX ECUT IV E
SUMMARY
CPRA RESPONDS TO OUR LAND LOSS CRISIS WITH A SENSE OF URGENCY
CPRA and its partners are moving projects forward at an ever-increasing pace to ensure that everything The Caminada Headland is over a 13-mile stretch of sandy beach CAMINADA HEADLAND
possible is being done to address Louisiana’s land loss crisis. In fact, we plan, engineer and design, and dune landscape located between Belle Pass to the west and BEACH AND DUNE
and construct restoration and risk reduction projects in parallel to expedite our work. Featured below Caminada Pass to the east at the southern end of Lafourche and RESTORATION
are some of the projects already underway. Progress on additional projects like the Mid-Barataria and Jefferson parishes. Over the last 100 years, Caminada Headland Spanning over 13 miles,
OF F OCUS
CLARIT Y
Mid-Breton Sediment Diversions and Morganza to the Gulf are discussed in Chapter 5. has experienced significant shoreline erosion and loss of critical requiring over 8 million
marsh, wetland, beach, and dune habitats including Elmer’s Island cubic yards of sediment,
Wildlife Refuge managed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and restoring nearly
and Fisheries. 800 acres, the Caminada
LONG DISTANCE Project planning for the Long Distance Sediment Pipeline (LDSP)
began in 2009 with construction beginning December 2013. This Headland project is one
SEDIMENT PIPELINE The Caminada Headland Beach and Dune Restoration project utilizes
innovative approach allows for a sustainable sediment source to be of the largest restoration
The LDSP has borrowed and valuable sediment deposits from Ship Shoal located approximately
efforts CPRA has
P ROGR E SS O N
transferred 10 or more miles from the Mississippi River and placed
T H E GR O U ND
transferred nearly 10 million 9 miles offshore. This project marked the first time Ship Shoal
at current and future restoration project sites in lower Jefferson and conducted to date.
cubic yards of Mississippi was used for restoration efforts. Originally part of a barrier island
River sediment to support Plaquemines parishes. This is an expansive area that desperately system that was submerged many years ago, Ship Shoal contains
Bayou Dupont Marsh and needs Mississippi River sediment to better protect the communities over 900 million cubic yards of high quality beach sand. These
Ridge Creation projects in south of New Orleans and in Plaquemines and Jefferson parishes. deposits not only add a tremendous source to the depleting coastal
Barataria Basin and restoration The pipeline project itself will create and nourish approximately 542 sand budget, but also improve barrier shoreline restoration project
of the Barataria Landbridge, acres of marsh. This project represents the first time sediment was integrity and lifespan. Over $200 million in funding was invested in
dredged from the Mississippi River with the sole purpose of creating
D E VE LO PI NG TH E
and remains in place as a these two projects through the Coastal Impact Assistance Program,
M A STE R PLA N
permanent pipeline corridor wetlands. This is important for two reasons. First, it brings in "new" National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and state surplus dollars.
for future project use. sediment from outside of the coastal system rather than using dredged
material from within that system. Second, it is a renewable source
of sediment that can be periodically tapped using the permanent
pipeline corridor.
Crucial sediment resources have been prevented from reaching
2017 CO A STA L
BAYOU DUPONT MARSH
M A STE R PL AN
AND RIDGE CREATION this highly degraded area in the Barataria Basin for many years as
Bayou Dupont Marsh and an outcome of the Mississippi River flood-control levee system.
Ridge Creation projects have Due to a combination of subsidence, dredging of oil and gas
used a combination of marsh canals, and lack of freshwater and sediment input, between 1956
creation, ridge restoration, and 1990, there has been an average per year land loss rate of
and earthen terraces to 2.76% around the project area. Located approximately 15 miles
south of the community of Belle Chasse in Plaquemines and
I MPL EME NTATIO N
create over 1,000 acres of
marsh, and over 11,000 Jefferson parishes, the Bayou Dupont Marsh Creation project is
STRATEG Y
linear feet of restored ridge. a three-phase project that has been underway since before the
2007 Coastal Master Plan. All three projects are part of CPRA’s
concerted effort to restore marsh that was part of the original
Barataria Landbridge. The third and final phase of the project
was completed in December 2016. Because they used the LDSP,
these projects have also used valuable and renewable sediment
resources from the Mississippi River.
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THE FUTUR E
Photos courtesy of Patrick M. Quigley and Lindsey Janies Photography
Top: Long Distance Sediment Pipeline Corridor. Bottom: Caminada Headland Beach and Dune
Restoration: Aerial images of barrier shoreline restoration efforts along the Caminada shoreline.
LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST LOUISIANA’S COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE COAST 37
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