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CWPPRA
COASTAL WETLANDS PLANNING, PROTECTION AND RESTORATION ACT
TECHNICAL COMMITTEE MEETING

AGENDA
September 7, 2023, 9:30 a.m.

Location:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
District Assembly Room (DARM)
7400 Leake Avenue
New Orleans, LA


Virtual Component:
https://usace1.webex.com/meet/kaitlyn.m.carriere

Documentation of Technical Committee meetings (including minutes, attendance records, PowerPoint Presentations, and meeting binders) may be found at:
http://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/Missions/Environmental/CWPPRA.aspx


Agenda Item

  1. Meeting Initiation 9:30 a.m. to 9:40 a.m.
    1. Introduction of Technical Committee or Alternates
    2. Opening remarks of Technical Committee Members
    3. Request for Agenda Changes/Additional Agenda Items/Adoption of Agenda

  2. Report: Status of CWPPRA Program Funds and Projects (Baylissa Walter, USACE) 9:40 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Ms. Baylissa Walter will provide an overview of the status of CWPPRA accounts and available funding in the Planning and Construction Programs.

  3. Report/Decision: Selection of CWPPRA Academic Advisory Group Chairman (Kaitlyn Richard, USACE) 10:00 a.m. to 10:05 a.m. A solicitation for a new Academic Advisory Group Chairman for CWPPRA was sent out via the CWPPRA newsflash in June 2023. The P&E Subcommittee evaluated the submitted applications and requests Technical Committee recommendation of Dr. Andy Nyman from Louisiana State University for Task Force approval as the CWPPRA Academic Advisory Group Chairman.

  4. Report: Status of Unconstructed Projects (Kaitlyn Richard, USACE) 10:05 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. The P&E Subcommittee will report on the status of unconstructed CWPPRA projects. There were four projects that were considered for “critical watch.”
    • Oyster Lake Marsh Creation and Nourishment, CS-79
    • Freshwater Bayou Marsh Creation, ME-31
    • Fritchie Marsh Creation and Terracing, PO 173
    • Barataria Bay Rim Marsh Creation, BA-195
    • Terracing and Marsh Creation South of Big Mar, BS-24

  5. Decision: Request for Final Transfer of the Long Point Bayou Marsh Creation (CS-85) Project (Karen McCormick, EPA; Brian Lezina, CPRA) 10:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. EPA and CPRA are requesting the Technical Committee’s approval for final transfer of the Long Point Bayou Marsh Creation (CS-85) Project. CS-85 was approved by the Task Force in January 2019 (PPL 28) with a Phase 1 budget of $2.29M and a fully funded cost of $13M. EPA and CPRA successfully completed engineering and design to the 95% level in December 2021. During the final phase of engineering and design, NRDA Trustees overseeing compensation for injuries resulting from an unauthorized discharge of oil at the CITGO Petroleum Corporation’s (CITGO) Lake Charles Manufacturing Complex in 2006, recommended this project as part of the restoration actions. In October 2022, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a maintenance dredging contract for the Calcasieu Ship Channel, which included the CS-0085 project as a beneficial use option as an alternative to upland disposal of the dredged material. Since the project was awarded and is being overseen by the USACE, EPA and CPRA recommend the project be officially transferred to the NRDA Trustees. EPA and CPRA will return the remaining Phase I Engineering and Design CWPPRA funds to the program.

  6. Decision: Request for Final Transfer of the Bayou La Loutre Ridge and Marsh Restoration (PO-178) Project to the NRDA LA Trustee Implementation Group (TIG). (Brian Lezina, CPRA; Britt Paul, NRCS) 10:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. CPRA and NRCS request the CWPPRA Technical Committee recommend approval to the CWPPRA Task Force to initiate Transfer of the project to NRDA LA TIG. The project has been included in and approved for construction funding within NRDA LA TIG Restoration Plan/ Environmental Assessment Plan 8.

  7. Decision: Request for Inactivation of BS-24 Terracing and Marsh Creation South of Big Mar (Kevin Roy, FWS). 10:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.FWS and CPRA request approval of a recommendation to the Task Force to inactivate the Terracing and Marsh Creation South of Big Mar Project (BS-24). As part of an effort to reduce the backlog of projects currently in Phase 1, the project is no longer considered consistent with the State Coastal Master Plan.

  8. Report/Decision: Request for Inactivation of the Oyster Lake Marsh Creation and Nourishment Project (CS-79) (Dawn Davis, NOAA) 11:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. NMFS and CPRA request approval of a recommendation to the Task Force to initiate inactivation of the Oyster Lake Marsh Creation and Nourishment Project (CS-79) because of design changes and increasing backlog of more cost-effective projects with limited program funds for construction.

  9. Decision: Initial Deauthorization of TE-157 East Catfish Lake Marsh Creation and Shoreline Protection (Kevin Roy, FWS). 11:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.FWS and CPRA request approval of a recommendation to the Task Force to initiate deauthorization of the East Catfish Lake Marsh Creation and Shoreline Protection Project (TE-157). As part of an effort to reduce the backlog of projects currently in Phase 1, the project is no longer considered consistent with the State Coastal Master Plan.

  10. Decision: Request for Monitoring Budget Increase for ME-20 South Grand Chenier Marsh Creation Project (Kevin Roy, FWS). 11:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. FWS and CPRA request a $928,548 Monitoring budget increase. The original fully-funded monitoring budget of $152,822, approved in January 2014 as part of the second Phase 2 approval, is inadequate to perform monitoring activities throughout the 20 year project life.

  11. Decision: Request for two-year No Cost Extension for Oaks/ Avery Canal Hydrologic Restoration (TV-13a) (Dion Broussard , CPRA) 11:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CPRA and NRCS requests a two-year No Cost Extension to complete final maintenance event and complete project close out. One (1) bid opened on August 03, 2023 which exceeded the available budget. CPRA intends to re-bid the work.

  12. Decision: Request for Funding to Develop the 2024 CWPPRA Report to Congress (Kaitlyn Richard, USACE) 12:00 p.m. to 12:15 p.m. As required in law, the CWPPRA Task Force submits a report to Congress that communicates the effectiveness of CWPPRA projects every three years. USACE is requesting the development of the 2024 CWPPRA Report to Congress be funded in the amount of $95,000.

  13. Decision: Request for Funding for the CWPPRA Program’s Technical Services (Michelle Fischer, USGS) 12:15 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and CPRA are requesting funding for technical services for the CWPPRA program in the amount of $266,315. The Technical Committee will consider and vote to make a recommendation to the Task Force to approve the request for funding of technical services in the amount of $266,315.

  14. Decision: Annual Request for Incremental Funding for FY26 Administrative Costs for Cash Flow Projects (Baylissa Walter, USACE) 12:30 p.m. to 12:35 p.m. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will request funding approval in the amount of $50,368 for administrative costs for cash flow projects beyond Increment 1. The Technical Committee will consider and vote to make a recommendation to the Task Force on the request for funds.

  15. Decision: Request for Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Incremental Funding (Brandon Champagne, CPRA) 12:35 p.m. to 12:55 p.m. The Technical Committee will consider and vote to make a recommendation to the Task Force to approve requests for totally FY26 O&M incremental funding in the amount of $3,721,902.02.
    1. PPL9+ Projects requesting approval for FY26 O&M incremental funding in the total amount of $3,425,180.02 for the following projects
      • Cameron-Creole Freshwater Introduction (CS-49)
        Incremental Funding Request: $67,194.00
      • Cameron-Creole Grand Bayou Marsh Creation (CS-54)
        Incremental Funding Request: $8,648.00
      • Cameron Meadows Marsh Creation (CS-66)
        Incremental Funding Request: $23,485.00
      • Freshwater Introduction South of Hwy 82 (ME-16)
        Incremental Funding Request: $16,955.00
      • Rockefeller Refuge Shoreline Protection w/ LA-08 (ME-18)
        Incremental Funding Request: $21,749.00
      • Grand Lake - Tebo Point Shoreline Protection (ME-21)
        Incremental Funding Request: $15,000.00
      • South White Lake Shoreline Protection (ME-22)
        Incremental Funding Request: $190,601.00
      • Four Mile Canal & Little White Lake Terrace and Sediment Trapping (TV-18)
        Incremental Funding Request: $10,000.00
      • Cole's Bayou March Creation (TV-63)
        Incremental Funding Request: $15,400.00
      • Barataria Landbridge Shoreline Protection Project (BA-27c)
        Incremental Funding Request: $364,415.00
      • GIWW Critical Areas Bank Restoration Project (TE-43)
        Incremental Funding Request: $590,000.00
      • Lake Des Allemands Swamp HR Project (BA-34-2)
        Incremental Funding Request: $56,978.00
      • Little Lake Shoreline Protection Project (BA-37)
        Incremental Funding Request: $2,198.00
      • West Belle Pass Headland Project (TE-52)
        Incremental Funding Request: $3,878.23
      • Bayou Decade Ridge and Marsh Creation Project (TE-138)
        Incremental Funding Request: $16,600.00
      • Lost Lake Marsh Creation and Restoration (TE-72)
        Incremental Funding Request: $250,000.00
      • Bayou Dupont Marsh and Ridge Restoration (BA-48)
        Incremental Funding Request: $18,534.80
      • Grand Liard Marsh and Ridge Restoration (BA-68)
        Incremental Funding Request: $16,065.63
      • Pass Chaland to Grand Bayou Pass Barrier Shoreline Restoration (BA-35)
        Incremental Funding Request: $1,564.00
      • Pelican Island and Pass La Mer to Chaland Pass Restoration (BA-38)
        Incremental Funding Request: $6,586.55
      • Lake Hermitage Marsh Creation (BA-42)
        Incremental Funding Request: $45,023.00
      • Bayou Dupont Sediment Delivery-Marsh Creation 3 (BA-164)
        Incremental Funding Request: $15,248.81
      • Coastwide Nutria Control Program (LA-03b)
        Incremental Funding Request: $1,664,347.00
      • Coastwide Vegetative Planting (LA-39)
        Incremental Funding Request: $4,702.00

    2. PPL1-8 Projects requesting approval for FY26 O&M incremental funding in the total amount of $296,729.00 for the following projects
      • Cameron Creole Maintenance (CS-04a)
        Incremental Funding Request: $274,394.00
      • Sabine Refuge Marsh Creation Cycles 4 & 5 (CS-28-4-5)
        Incremental Funding Request: $8,008.00
      • Freshwater Bayou Bank Stabilization (ME-13)
        Incremental Funding Request: $14,327.

  16. Decision: Request for Monitoring Incremental Funding (Jessica Converse, CPRA) 12:55 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.The Technical Committee will consider and vote to make a recommendation to the Task Force to approve FY26 incremental funding in the total amount of $11,241,234.00.
    1. PPL9+ Projects requesting approval for FY26 Monitoring incremental funding in the total amount of $1,003,724.00 for the following projects
      • Coastwide Vegetative Planting (LA-39)
        Incremental Funding Request: $124,515.00
      • Black Bayou Culverts Hydrologic Restoration (CS-29)
        Incremental Funding Request: $43,331.00
      • Whiskey Island Back Barrier Marsh Creation (TE-50)
        Incremental Funding Request: $11,815.00
      • Cameron-Creole Freshwater Introduction (CS-49)
        Incremental Funding Request: $8,446.00
      • Oyster Bayou Marsh Restoration (CS-59)
        Incremental Funding Request: $29,105.00
      • Cameron Meadows (CS-66)
        Incremental Funding Request: $97,452.00
      • South Grand Chenier Marsh Creation (ME-20)
        Incremental Funding Request: $258,362
      • Lost Lake Marsh Creation and Hydrologic Restoration (TE-72)
        Incremental Funding Request: $153,598
      • Bayou Dupont Marsh and Ridge Creation (BA-48)
        Incremental Funding Request: $34,486
      • Bayou Dupont Sediment Delivery- Marsh Creation and Terracing #3 (BA-164)
        Incremental Funding Request: $3,864
      • South Lake Lery Marsh Creation and Shoreline Protection (BS-16)
        Incremental Funding Request: $55,698
      • Bayou Bonfouca Marsh Creation (PO-104)
        Incremental Funding Request: $2,086
      • Coastwide Nutria Control Program (LA-03b)
        Incremental Funding Request: $180,966.00

    2. PPL1-8 Projects requesting approval for FY26 Monitoring incremental funding in the total amount of $237,510.00 for the following projects
      • Cameron Creole Maintenance (CS-04a)
        Incremental Funding Request: $113,019.00
      • Replace Sabine Refuge Water Control Structures at Headquarters Canal, West Cove Canal, and Hog Island Gully (CS-23)
        Incremental Funding Request: $99,491.00
      • Sabine Refuge Marsh Creation Increment 3 (CS-28-3)
        Incremental Funding Request: $25,000.

    3. Coastwide Reference Monitoring System (CRMS) requesting approval for FY26 incremental funding in the total amount of $10,000,000.00
      • Coastwide Reference Monitoring System (LA-30)
        Incremental Funding Request: $10,000,000

  17. Additional Agenda Items (Brad Inman, USACE) 1:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.

  18. Request for Public Comments (Brad Inman, USACE) 1:15 p.m. to 1:20 p.m.

  19. Announcement: Dates of Upcoming CWPPRA Program Meeting (Brad Inman USACE) 1:20 p.m. to 1:25 The Task Force meeting will be held October 12, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. at the Tulane River and Coastal Center, 370 Port of New Orleans Place. New Orleans, LA

  20. Announcement: Scheduled Dates of Future Program Meetings (Brad Inman, USACE) 1:25 p.m. to 1:25 p.m.
    October 12, 2023
    9:30 a.m.
    Task Force
    New Orleans
    December 14, 2023
    9:30 a.m.
    Technical Committee
    New Orleans
    January 2023
    9:30 a.m.
    Task Force
    TBD
    April 7, 2022
    9:30 a.m.
    Technical Committee Meeting
    TBD
    *Dates are subject to change. Please check back with lacoast.gov for the latest calendar.

  21. Decision: Adjourn



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