Louisiana residents urged to provide critical input to safeguard Louisiana’s science-based Coastal Master Plan
NEW ORLEANS, LA (Dec. 10, 2025) – Today, Louisiana’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) released its Draft FY27 Annual Plan for public review and comment. The Annual Plan reflects which projects in the state’s comprehensive coastal plan will move forward in a given fiscal year and, upon its adoption, provides the CPRA authority to expend those funds outlined in the plans. Restore the Mississippi River Delta, a coalition of national and local organizations working to restore Louisiana’s coast, issued the following statement upon the plan’s release:
“The Annual Plan plays a key role in guiding the implementation of Louisiana’s Coastal Master Plan and critical projects that will protect communities, restore habitat for wildlife and fisheries, and support our economy. Our coalition remains committed to supporting the state of Louisiana in implementing a science-based and publicly informed coastal plan. We are still reviewing the details of this year’s Annual Plan to ensure that investments align with the Coastal Master Plan, that the program maintains a strong balance of restoration and protection and that oil spill funds are both fully utilized and directed toward activities that address the devastating injuries Louisiana sustained from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. We look forward to celebrating the parts of this plan that merit praise, and we remain committed to holding this administration accountable if it strays away from the Coastal Master Plan or undermines public trust.”
“Now more than ever, public input is critical to this process. It is important to note that this year’s Annual Plan is open to public input and that public meetings will be held in January across the coast. Residents are urged to review the plan to find those projects that will both protect and restore their communities and coast. Communities, especially those most at risk, cannot afford to be overlooked.”
“We all benefit from having a clear sense of the public’s perspectives and concerns as the coastal program considers any potential adjustments. At this important moment, Louisianians have a meaningful opportunity to share their voices and help shape a plan that truly reflects the needs of our communities for generations to come.”
Created within the milestone legislation following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Annual Plan must receive the approval of the CPRA Board and Louisiana Legislature annually. Funding sources for the plan include a mixture of funds originating from the state, federal government and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
For more information about Restore the Mississippi River Delta, visit mississippiriverdelta.org.
About Restore the Mississippi River Delta:
Restore the Mississippi River Delta is working to protect people, wildlife and jobs by reconnecting the river with its wetlands. As our region faces the crisis of land loss, we offer science-based solutions through a comprehensive approach to restoration. Composed of conservation, policy, science and outreach experts from Environmental Defense Fund, National Audubon Society, the National Wildlife Federation and Pontchartrain Conservancy, we are located in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Washington, D.C.; and around the United States. Learn more at MississippiRiverDelta.org and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.