Louisiana coastal restoration agency plans $1.8B budget for fiscal 2026

(The Center Square) — Louisiana’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority is gearing up for a significant fiscal 2026, with an anticipated $1.8 billion budget aimed at flood risk reduction, coastal restoration, and economic impact.The agency continues to prioritize construction, allocating 80% of its funding — approximately $1.44 billion — toward ground-level projects that protect and restore Louisiana’s vulnerable coastline.The CPRA’s revenues come from diverse sources, including the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act, which remains a cornerstone of funding.GOMESA is projected to contribute $221 million in fiscal 2026, with some funds carried over from previous years. This carryover allows the agency to finance large-scale projects like the Agency Lock and other critical flood protection efforts.Additional funding comes from settlements, corporate programs, state surplus and non-surplus funds and other revenue streams. These combined sources enable CPRA to tackle ambitious construction and restoration initiatives.”Our operating expenses are incredibly low at just 2% of the budget, which means nearly every dollar is going toward protecting and restoring our coast,” said Glenn Ledet, the Executive Director of CPRA.The remaining funds are allocated for planning, engineering, and monitoring completed projects.CPRA plans to deliver results on 20 dredging projects, aiming to create nearly 15,000 acres of new marshland. This builds on the success of fiscal 2025, where over 10,000 acres were completed by October, with a year-end goal of 12,000 acres.At any given time, CPRA expects to have 133 active projects underway in fiscal 2026, including marsh creation, shoreline protection, and flood control initiatives.Notable highlights include the Cameron Gulf Shoreline Protection Project and the continued implementation of the Southwest Coastal Program.The Southwest Coastal Program includes nonstructural flood protection, such as home elevations, and ecosystem restoration. A pilot program elevating 18 homes is already underway, with plans to expand to 800–1,000 homes.CPRA’s efforts have far-reaching implications for Louisiana’s economy. In fiscal 2026, the program is projected to generate over 12,000 direct jobs and $723 million in labor income.CPRA is projecting even greater investment in construction over the next two fiscal years, with construction budgets rising to 84% of expenditures in fiscal 2027 and 88% in fiscal 2028. Despite these high percentages, the agency is committed to securing additional funds for engineering and design to ensure a steady pipeline of projects.

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