[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6386537,"mediaKeyId","2117974-f418bec9282af287e5d7259767855638","parentId",2117974,"title","CRMS monitoring: 390-site network shows higher baseline water levels since 2011; CPRA to continue annual measurements","audioSeconds",440,"startMs",4720000,"endMs",5160000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2117974-f418bec9282af287e5d7259767855638&start=4720&end=5160","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2117974-f418bec9282af287e5d7259767855638/thumbnail_4720000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6386537/Louisiana/CRMS-monitoring-390-site-network-shows-higher-baseline-water-levels-since-2011-CPRA-to-continue-annual-measurements","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6386537-f243eb95e3b6651a80feefaba8269c12/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139175&Signature=f5lzj51l5PT8PVGINconVvNSEOZTy9UJGEKPFqXPxkdZ9MpofxVB7Dgp0-AVnbhzu8RmsqBmyOeR~QuLhzhKXCVQoVcO81mmx9T7sn3WE9QKDLvpSWnudGzwqCjK55LdpQIM2DrX5I5pPE2PbN79rAKF~oLXHecF6FUgppJM7sFPqcoocmPXgwQMSrBzwynmHi1F7XJgt6a6pcriWBf~O3y9dShmE7A-dTjn1WNIqsWNL4Ljf79UOxknDXwAaPsqLzYRkMKYr8x2uTdZQVblXKYduLoS-1wVWd03TMyhHwkP0vTSFJfcDbiQwXePKiNBerHsfyHeYx0w1ObTlILR6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board","date","2025-01-15T00:00:00Z","article","Leanne Sharp (CRMS program, CPRA Lafayette office) briefed the board on the Coastwide Reference Monitoring System (CRMS), a network of roughly 390 monitoring sites distributed across coastal Louisiana to measure vegetation, surface elevation, accretion, water level and salinity. Sharp said the network is a standardized, randomized reference design intended to let scientists and planners make coastwide inferences about marsh condition and long‑term change.

Sharp summarized recent CRMS data analysis and the network’s role in planning and adaptive management. Key points:

- CRMS is a randomized network of about 390 sites, designed to represent basin and marsh‑type distributions so analysts can draw inferences about marsh types and basins rather than only project sites. Sharp said, \"we didn't put it there. We used randomization to distribute them across the coast proportional to the marsh types and basins.\"

- Measured variables include hourly water level and salinity, annual vegetation composition, surface elevation table (SET) measurements and accretion plates to track sediment accumulation and soil formation. The data are publicly available and used by agencies, academics and consultants.

- CRMS analyses detect a change in baseline coastal water levels beginning around 2011. Sharp and CPRA staff reported an accelerated period of higher water that produced elevated inundation and flooding stress on marshes, with a 2019 peak in water levels and a later low‑water interval in 2023 that nevertheless remained higher than pre‑2011 low water in many locations.

- Spatial patterns were heterogeneous: some deltaic and fringe marsh sites were relatively high; other areas — particularly parts of Calcasieu‑Sabine and the Atchafalaya reach — showed episodic and severe land‑loss patterns. A recent coastwide synthesis that grouped change trajectories identified seven distinct coastwide land‑change groupings, including continuous land loss in some lower delta and saline marshes, localized episodic loss elsewhere, and stability in many inland swamp sites.

- Monitoring season is active: CRMS field crews are collecting surface elevation and accretion data through April and vegetation data in summer and fall; a coastwide aerial flight completed in 2024 will feed updated spatial analyses later in the year.

Sharp said CRMS data have guided project design decisions — for example, identifying where hydrologic control structures or marsh creation would be most effective — and noted that the network’s randomized design was recommended by national science bodies as a model for long‑term monitoring.

Board members asked about real‑time water‑level monitoring, possible expansion of real‑time gauges, how the 20‑year high/low water cycle is understood, and whether CRMS data could be packaged for landowners and parishes. Sharp said USGS maintains a subset of about 10 CRMS stations in real time and that converting more sites to real‑time service is technically feasible but requires funding and agreements. She also agreed that CPRA staff would explore opportunities to present regional CRMS results for landowners and parish officials in concise formats.

Sharp said CRMS will continue to publish data and results and that the dataset supports master planning, project evaluation and adaptive management for coastal restoration.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board 01/15/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Leanne Sharp (CRMS program, CPRA Lafayette office) briefed the board on the Coastwide Reference Monitoring System (CRMS), a network of roughly 390 monitoring sites that track vegetation, elevation, accretion, water level and salinity across coastal Louisiana.","taxTitle","Joint Committee Meetings, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative, Louisiana","taxId",77843,"location","Louisiana","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6386542,"WRDA 2024 authorizes $5.9 billion Saint Tammany Parish flood risk reduction project; CPRA to pursue design and appropriations",204,486000,690000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2117974-f418bec9282af287e5d7259767855638&start=486&end=690","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2117974-f418bec9282af287e5d7259767855638/thumbnail_486000.jpg","/articles/6386542/Louisiana/WRDA-2024-authorizes-59-billion-Saint-Tammany-Parish-flood-risk-reduction-project-CPRA-to-pursue-design-and-appropriations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6386542-64d7c951278c5a4a6bf33279ca2abb5a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139175&Signature=jyyn~XsojQAag4BJ43yLBkO0-035sftpa-gv5-8rvWafok4HFaA~ez1gzZCYFOMZXH~21A90XZr6taNiPy7zpEwXKsAi~kxFPkh2glyNuC6ba54gvCvGjmz9AXu2MzCO18fUgrZO5MQRG-NWNd-33XZ4WNqjOWZAuQg1cMmBTBhASkayYSBCxctbftn3Qsh54lgTGxWxYQPiGryid~Ngk6Frz42sRdCL4K1yOHbCORwgDNlzMr6Bu7oHO-ikHUjVwHOi59UsTMYYXiouOGFjx3KvzhTkvs5wn4pQWM8JhYPiQAZQZ2eooD0FfxmTtnliF~Vutu2RdsKmDYQsFVKywQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","CPRA staff told the authority’s January 2025 meeting that the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 authorized a large Saint Tammany Parish flood risk reduction and coastal storm risk management program with an authorization figure cited in meeting materials as approximately $5.9 billion.

Glenn (executive director, CPRA) described the project as multi-feature and “multifaceted,” containing structural components (levees and flood walls) and nonstructural measures (home elevations). Presentation materials and board discussion listed the project’s features as protecting roughly 26,000 structures, an 18.5‑mile levee and flood‑wall system, more than 5,500 home elevations and about 827 nonresidential structures identified for elevations or modifications. CPRA staff said the WRDA authorization allows the project to move from feasibility and planning to engineering and design and, eventually, construction when federal appropriations and Corps project agreements are in place.

CPRA said next steps will include negotiating a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, pursuing design agreements and a project partnership agreement, and carrying out federal and state advocacy for appropriations. Staff noted that authorization in WRDA does not itself provide construction funding; it provides congressional authority for the project and allows federal and nonfederal partners to move into the design phase and to seek appropriations.

CPRA also credited local partners, including Saint Tammany Parish and the Saint Tammany levee district, and the delegation’s support for securing the authorization. Neil McMillan (federal affairs liaison) was listed to present additional federal wins later in the meeting. CPRA staff emphasized that the state will work with the Corps on federal cost‑sharing arrangements and on operations and maintenance agreements in line with federal policy as the project proceeds.

Because WRDA authorization does not include appropriations, CPRA and local partners said they will need to pursue funding in future appropriations cycles and work with the Corps on design agreements and real estate requirements necessary to implement structural components.

Board members asked questions about sequencing, cost‑sharing, and opportunities to secure credits for state and local investments. CPRA said the agency will supply additional information on next steps and on how the authorization maps to CPRA’s draft FY2026 work program.","CPRA staff told the authority’s January 2025 meeting that the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 authorized a large Saint Tammany Parish flood risk reduction and coastal storm risk management program with an authorization figure cited as roughly $5.9 billion.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6386547,"CPRA presents draft FY2026 annual plan and implementation update; public comment open through March 22",720,0,720000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2117974-f418bec9282af287e5d7259767855638&start=0&end=720","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2117974-f418bec9282af287e5d7259767855638/thumbnail_0.jpg","/articles/6386547/Louisiana/CPRA-presents-draft-FY2026-annual-plan-and-implementation-update-public-comment-open-through-March-22","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6386547-7bec8bcdf10b55b80e7a94bb545aa9ce/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139175&Signature=chFdap4sA0iDPQLaIUl5jXc9Ghhw8dbF4IKHNINU2WJqbdxeboAam4bGhz1QGcLE2HUzPZqqXCfeEwMPshgVFfe3iGyroAeOwLfQETVbJiN-~9H9a6Y0n03i3HmzyzAGyv~kPoYfuld4SwNTSMDpRzGnfE9qxptyzTlP3sNiUjxb2N1xvHDYF2ce2V~s3ap0CepPfI9kSfTf1anloPsu1gJRULKHYPqa17lHPOD2WFwZfU5DoplmlDDCytBDy1jCnAmhvAShIgjJ5kcRfIQ9pTy6uhZKsnbjCp67QTaJRAA~Hl~dSeudeqQ7scwB-jepf1r7DHd9hDLpBggHahaL8A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Glenn (executive director, CPRA) presented the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority’s implementation update and the draft FY2026 annual plan at the authority’s January 2025 meeting, saying the plan starts a public comment period and outlines project and budget priorities for the coming fiscal year.

The draft annual plan lays out that CPRA expects to manage roughly 133 projects over the fiscal year and typically present more than 100 active projects at a time. The presentation listed 106 active projects at the time of the meeting, with 38 in construction, 64 in engineering and design, and four in planning. The department reported that five projects moved to final completion since the fall and that two new efforts entered engineering and design.

CPRA staff emphasized several projects highlighted in the update. Projects described as starting or moving toward construction include: Mid Breton land-bridge marsh creation and terracing (Plaquemines/Saint Bernard parishes), Bayoucane marsh creation (final design; estimated cost about $31 million), Bayou La Lucha ridge restoration and marsh creation (construction underway; prime contractor US Aqua Services LLC; estimated cost roughly $35 million), the Manshack land-bridge shoreline protection project (completed in November 2024; cost just over $10 million), the Sugar Ridge pump station in Lafourche Parish (under construction; estimated cost about $5 million), and the Bayou Pigeon boat launch (construction began; cost just under $3 million). CPRA also noted the river reintroduction into Maurepas Swamp — a large diversion the agency is treating as a keystone project — and said that project is under way following a recent groundbreaking.

Glenn described regional programs and large multi-feature efforts that will span multiple fiscal years, including Southwest Coastal (shoreline protection and nonstructural home-elevation work), the Calcasieu-Sabine large-scale marsh and hydrologic restoration program, Upper Barataria Basin coastal storm risk management features, and a set of regional \"land-bridge\" initiatives in Breton Sound and Barataria basins. He said CPRA will continue interim and nonfederal work with parish levee districts while the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers advances federal studies and project components.

On finances, the presentation listed total revenue available in FY2026 planning at roughly $1.08 billion and illustrated that CPRA intends a heavy share of available funds to support construction. The board materials projected construction would be the largest single category of spending; presenters reported construction as about 80% of the program. The presentation included an inconsistent graphic that also listed a construction-dollar figure of $1.44 billion (a larger amount than the stated $1.08 billion of revenues shown); CPRA staff said they would reconcile and clarify those materials before the plan is finalized.

CPRA announced the public outreach schedule for the draft plan. Public meetings and comment opportunities include in-person hearings beginning Jan. 28 in Lake Charles, Jan. 30 in Houma, Feb. 11 in Jefferson Parish, and a virtual meeting on Feb. 12. The formal public comment period closes March 22; CPRA will present a final plan to the CPRA board on April 16 and will then transmit the final plan to the state legislature.

CPRA also said it will continue the agency’s regular interagency processes (for example, the annual operating plans for the Davis Pond and Caernarvon freshwater diversions), and it asked board members and the public to review the plan materials at ap26.coastal.la.gov and submit feedback by March 22.

The presentation closed with a calendar of events and several ongoing initiatives CPRA said will continue to feature in annual plans and implementation updates, including the coastal technical assistance and contractor outreach program (CTAC), workforce education events, and the congressional fly‑in for coastal advocacy planned for March 25–26.

CPRA invited questions from board members at the end of the presentation and said staff will supply follow-up details requested during the meeting (for example, categories that appear in board materials as “other” among active projects).","The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) presented its implementation update and the draft fiscal year 2026 annual plan in its January 2025 meeting, highlighting more than 100 active projects, a planned public comment period ending March 22 and a call for continued federal appropriations to move large projects into construction.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

CRMS monitoring: 390-site network shows higher baseline water levels since 2011; CPRA to continue annual measurements

WRDA 2024 authorizes $5.9 billion Saint Tammany Parish flood risk reduction project; CPRA to pursue design and appropriations

CPRA presents draft FY2026 annual plan and implementation update; public comment open through March 22