One legacy of Crowley native and former Louisiana Sen. John Breaux is the federal funding he directed toward the restoration of the state’s eroding coastline. Now in its 20th year, $115 million is slated this cycle, moving five out of 144 listed projects into construction, and four into the design phase. Projects in Acadiana, according to the Times-Picayune, are:
Cameron-Creole Freshwater Introduction and Vegetative Plantings: The taskforce approved only the planting part of this project, which will spend $1.1 million to rebuild wetlands in Calcasieu Parish.
South Grand Chenier Hydrologic Restoration: This project between Louisiana 85 and Hog Bayou in Cameron Parish is designed to reverse wetland loss caused by failed agricultural projects and saltwater intrusion from the Mermentau Ship Channel, at a cost of $29 million.
Freshwater Bayou Marsh Creation: Some 401 acres of marsh that were damaged or turned to open water by Hurricanes Rita, Gustav and Ike will be rebuilt or strengthened near the Vermilion Parish coastline, using dredge material, at a completed cost of $25.5 million.
While the Freshwater Bayou Marsh Creation has only received planning monies, both projects in Cameron and Calcasieu parishes are on the construction list. Work could begin within the next few months.