Latest Mississippi River Delta News: March 26, 2015

Opposing opinion on river diversions show contentious nature of coastal master plan
*features Kim Reyher, CRCL
By The Editors, The Lens. March 26, 2015
“The bottom line is this: Sediment diversions are our most powerful tool for coastal restoration. Without sediment diversions, our wetlands will be lost. As we approach the 10th anniversary of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, when so many of us witnessed the devastating results of a withered coastline, it’s time to come together and get to work implementing solutions that can achieve long-term protection for coastal communities.” (Read More)

Science advisers say design of 4 river diversions can move forward
By Mark Schleifstein, The Times-Picayune. March 26, 2015
“A scientific advisory panel gave the green light Wednesday (March 25) to the state’s continued planning for construction of four major sediment diversions on the lower Mississippi River, although it raised questions about state’s ongoing socioeconomic analysis of the diversions’ potential effects.” (Read More)

State coastal group approves $884 million spending plan for upcoming fiscal year
By Amy Wold, The Advocate. March 25, 2015
“A plan for how $884 million will be spent on coastal protection and restoration in Louisiana in fiscal year 2016, which included no budget cuts requested by the state, was approved Wednesday by the state’s main coastal board.” (Read More)
 
Congressman to address coastal restoration group
*features Simone Maloz, Restore or Retreat
By Aaren Gordon, Houma Courrier. March 25, 2015
“We are looking forward to hearing his unique perspective on how we can elevate the state’s coastal successes to the federal level in order to secure the nation’s commitment to restore and protect our irreplaceable region,” said Simone Maloz, Restore or Retreat executive director.” (Read More)
 
Terrebone coastal restoration project nears design
*features Simone Maloz, Restore or Retreat
By Aaren Gordon, Houma Courrier. March 25, 2015
“Construction on a $417 million project to save Terrebonne Parish’s coastline using freshwater from the Atchafalaya River to move sediment could begin in two to four years, state Coastal Protection and Restoration officials were told Wednesday.” (Read More)

Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana to honor environmental advocates
The New Orleans Advocate. March 25, 2015
“Former U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu will be the keynote speaker when the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana honors 15 stewards of Louisiana’s coast at its Coastal Stewardship Awards Banquet. The banquet will be at 6 p.m. Friday, April 17, at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center.” (Read More)