Latest Mississippi River Delta News: Jan. 22, 2015

Coastal programs to see 5 percent budget cuts in 2015-16, Coastal Authority Executive Director says
By Mark Schleifstein, The Times-Picayune. Jan. 21, 2015
“Clearly, Louisiana is facing a short-term budgetary crisis, but CPRA is tackling a much more serious long-term crisis,” said a statement released late Wednesday by the Environmental Defense Fund, National Wildlife Federation, National Audubon Society, Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana and the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation.” (Read More)

In BP oil spill trial, U.S. witnesses to detail disaster’s economic effect
By Jennifer Larino, The Times-Picayune. Jan. 22, 2015
“The U.S. government plans Thursday to continue to build its case that BP should pay the maximum $13.7 billion fine for the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill, this time calling an expert witness to describe the disaster’s economic effect.” (Read More)
 
BP oil spill harmed wildlife, habitat ‘everywhere it went,’ expert testifies
By Jennifer Larino, The Times-Picayune. Jan. 21, 2015
“The BP oil spill caused widespread damage to the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem, harming wildlife, shoreline habitats and vital microorganisms on the ocean floor, an environmental expert testified for the Justice Department on Wednesday morning.” (Read More)

Two new diversion sites to be studied, computer modeling to determine effectiveness
By Amy Wold, The Advocate. Jan. 22, 2015
“State coastal scientists released findings on the best location for two additional sediment diversions along the lower Mississippi River based on cost, highest sediment collection and effectiveness.” (Read More)

Progress made on proposed Wetlands Discovery Center
By Chris Leblanc, Houma Today. Jan. 21, 2015
“The Terrebonne Parish Council approved a cooperative endeavor agreement with the state last week after $125,000 in state construction money and a roughly $31,000 local match were approved for the project’s design, engineering and permitting process.” (Read More)