Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion Stop Work Order Partially Lifted

Coalition Calls for Project to Move Forward Immediately, As Designed

NEW ORLEANS (June 13, 2024) — Today, the stop work order on the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion was partially lifted, allowing certain early work on the nearly $3 billion project to move ahead, including site preparation and construction on various temporary structures. Restore the Mississippi River Delta, a coalition of national and local conservation groups comprised of the Environmental Defense Fund, National Audubon Society, the National Wildlife Federation and Pontchartrain Conservancy – released the following statement:

“Lifting the stop work order on the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion is a necessary and critical next step forward for Louisiana’s quickly disappearing coastal wetlands, which protect our coastal communities, businesses and ecosystem. We expect and call for the project to move forward as planned, without further delay.

The decision to permit and fund the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion was made after years of careful consideration, planning and public outreach. This project was designed by coastal experts for decades and included as a foundational project in every unanimously supported Coastal Master Plan since 2012. World-class science backed the decision to break ground on this project, and its implementation is overwhelmingly supported by Louisianians.

Further delaying construction on Louisiana’s cornerstone restoration project is a financially and ecologically costly endeavor, as our state loses another 19 acres of coastal wetlands every day.”

Media Contact:
Annie Matherne
(504)650-5539
annie@gambelpr.com

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.