The Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act Program has approved $36.9 million in funding for the NOAA-sponsored North Delacroix Marsh Creation and Terracing Project. NOAA works through CWPPRA to restore habitat and support resilient communities and sustainable fisheries along the Louisiana coast.
Funding will support the construction of the North Delacroix project in partnership with the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. The project will restore nearly 380 acres of marsh and construct more than 7,000 feet of terraces in St. Bernard Parish. It will help protect the local communities of Wood Lake and Delacroix from flood risk while also providing benefits to fisheries.
Coastal Wetlands Provide Habitat, Economic Benefits
Coastal wetlands help protect communities and infrastructure from damage caused by wind, waves, and flooding. They are Louisiana’s first line of defense during hurricanes and storms. By providing habitat for fish and shellfish, wetlands also support a statewide seafood industry valued at nearly $1 billion per year. However, with one of the highest rates of wetland loss in the world, the Louisiana coastline has deteriorated extensively over the last several decades. Habitat restoration helps slow this high rate of land loss and sustain the important benefits these habitats provide.
Large-Scale Wetland Restoration in Louisiana
Since 1990, CWPPRA has served as the primary means for responding to coastal wetland loss in Louisiana. Each year, the CWPPRA Task Force approves large-scale restoration projects for funding. The Task Force is composed of the State of Louisiana and five participating federal agencies:
- NOAA
- US Army Corps of Engineers
- US Environmental Protection Agency
- US Fish and Wildlife Service
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
NOAA has been the federal sponsor for more than 40 wetland restoration projects through the program. This work has restored more than 12,500 acres of vulnerable coastline and helped build the resilience of coastal communities.
