COAST 2050: A Partnership
STATE - FEDERAL - LOCAL
Priority Project List and Coast 2050
The Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (CWPPRA, hereafter "Breaux Act") was signed into law in 1990. This act insures that state and federal monies ($40 million per year) are available for coastal restoration and conservation efforts. Each year the Louisiana Coastal Wetlands Conservation and Restoration Task Force (Breaux Act Task Force) develops a list of high-priority restoration projects, and, to date, eight such priority lists have been formulated. The 9th year Priority Project List (PPL) will be different due to the Coast 2050 plan.
On October 20, 1998, the Coast 2050 plan was jointly adopted by the Breaux Act Task Force and the State Wetlands Authority by unanimous vote. Selection of projects for the PPL are recommended to the Breaux Act Task Force by the public, local governments, state and federal agencies, and the Coast 2050 regional planning teams through a series of regional nomination workshops. Projects for PPL9 and future priority lists must support one or more Coast 2050 strategies in order to qualify for consideration.
After projects are initially chosen by the Breaux Act Task Force, one of the federal agencies is identified as the lead agency. The state of Louisiana, through the Department of Natural Resources, usually serves as the nonfederal sponsor (a 15% state match is required).
It is the responsibility of these agencies to keep local government and the public informed and to obtain comments through direct communication and public meetings. Local governments and Parish Coastal Zone Management groups often serves as points of local contact.
Annual reports are presented to the Legislature and a comprehensive report is presented to the US Congress every three years.
The Breaux Act Restoration Plan provides for scientific monitoring of projects. If a project is not meeting its goals, modifications are made. Monitoring results are available at http://www.savelawetlands.org/site/reports.html