Louisiana Cancels Coastal Project, Risks Losing Billions in Oil Spill Funds
Louisiana has canceled the $3 billion Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion Project, designed to restore disappearing Gulf coastline using funds from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement. The project was intended to rebuild over 20 square miles of land over 50 years, but faced opposition from Governor Jeff Landry, who cited concerns about its impact on local fisheries and rising costs. Its cancellation means the state may lose unspent funds and potentially have to repay money already spent on the project. Conservationists and former officials expressed disappointment, emphasizing the urgent need for coastal protection, while the state plans to pursue a smaller, less expensive diversion project.
John Q. Hosedrinker