[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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",[32,76,88,100],{"_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",6193496,"mediaKeyId","3867048-9db4b7bb5fcf816077f972510bb1d8f3","parentId",3867048,"title","CPRA board to enter executive session over Mid-Barataria diversion litigation and contract/settlement strategy","audioSeconds",397,"startMs",4755000,"endMs",5152000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3867048-9db4b7bb5fcf816077f972510bb1d8f3&start=4755&end=5152","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3867048-9db4b7bb5fcf816077f972510bb1d8f3/thumbnail_4755000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6193496/Louisiana/CPRA-board-to-enter-executive-session-over-Mid-Barataria-diversion-litigation-and-contractsettlement-strategy","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6193496-3a71eb817c140a574e43b15690ba7595/orig.mp4?Expires=1771071049&Signature=BYUzp15L~yC~7MO4ICV0euP8T-XStz7MaevPwJZGKwjeczkYwz1yDk~s8krWC3SFDQxnb7VvDFCoN8PWZtGgMJAZpZGo3XBS4Cux0jkSH~M8dt--A2h8ZheD~3mT1VkF68gOlmwJUL-jpCYjwSpswlg1jwzEz3-GJHwgOhIhULwI2rYCbX8Ldxw8EQoDNcI4gXB0FuJcN5BvAwIeON05ilflJlzZg3cDAsUHNvRicoJGXxN~3mIjPjLwv87GI6oL69bwqmCDj768M7V6LdaPYZhGocxqQjLSiSb7HUKoOcCpGRd5VtNvQYD5l0gM3xKJsHFrKm0-4jBnVjA9Cg7qcw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Louisiana Legislature","date","2025-06-18T00:00:00Z","article","The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss pending litigation, permit negotiations and settlement strategy connected to the Mid‑Barataria sediment diversion project.

Interim Executive Director Clay Parker read the executive-session agenda, which cited Louisiana Revised Statutes authorizing closed meetings for attorney–client privilege and deliberative-process privilege. The listed items included two active lawsuits and several matters for legal advice and negotiation:

- Jurisich Oysters, LLC; AmeriPure Processing LLC; Matthew Tesovich; International Marine Mammal Project of Earth Island Institute; Alert Project of Earth Island Institute; and Earth Island Institute v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service; and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Civil Action No. 224CV00106, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. The complaint alleges NEPA and APA claims against the Corps and Endangered Species Act claims against federal wildlife agencies.

- Plaquemines Parish Government v. Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, Case No. 68‑526, 25th Judicial District Court (Plaquemines Parish), involving multiple intervenors. The parish alleges CPRA did not comply with local ordinances related to construction of the Mid‑Barataria diversion.

Parker also listed three recommended legal-advice items for discussion in executive session: a settlement demand and contract strategy concerning an AWA contractor; permit-status negotiations with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources; and negotiation strategy with the Trustee Implementation Group (TIG), Louisiana TIG (LATIG) and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) on resolutions, agreements or settlements. Parker cautioned that open discussion “would reveal legal advice and strategy and could thwart strategic negotiations of the public body.”

The board then conducted a roll call; every member present voted “yes.” Chairman Dove instructed attendees to clear the room and directed that persons who should remain be designated before the session began.

Ending: The board moved into executive session; the public portion of the meeting paused for closed deliberations on litigation and negotiation strategy.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","CPRA Part 1 Jun 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board announced an executive session to discuss multiple pending lawsuits, permit negotiations and settlement demands related to the Mid‑Barataria sediment diversion project, citing Louisiana Revised Statutes for closed deliberation.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature LA, Louisiana","taxId",78558,"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},6193501,"CPRA and GOSEP outline hurricane-season readiness: gate tracking, gauges and logistics staging",1447,3313000,4760000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3867048-9db4b7bb5fcf816077f972510bb1d8f3&start=3313&end=4760","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3867048-9db4b7bb5fcf816077f972510bb1d8f3/thumbnail_3313000.jpg","/articles/6193501/Louisiana/CPRA-and-GOSEP-outline-hurricane-season-readiness-gate-tracking-gauges-and-logistics-staging","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6193501-45f4edf2bf0dd4833d5730848d9baf0f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771071049&Signature=TT2eMQ6ep4xwSSAkl0xdVJKRsizXTqgdQicxy3DZc69e1whRr4wsEWnBlZ7o1VN1zjerTAHw7hNBPzBB3n-RUCHUWZZWwtodfkzzwEILQbuQxJ5ORizxbKiskgua4TCkgM49mzNmRge-ezi3utSt4K8hCCBWGju~0MaiaAkIUMwYwj5VkVc4Y0rEsblqzgcIxexWuB83vlrVAX28k4LY9cthV8vNjZq9i5v-1lxDkuxVzoqZolgUkGcD71WkLCe1~-WCQdaeGE2VId228oJg3jY2Vj1sb41F-LtN5iU4awWCCKa0iSKeaQrwKZxsLY54A5VUuWwgVc9-GnFBZc64qg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Brad Barth, CPRA chief of operations, and Mark Ward, assistant director for emergency management at GOSEP, briefed the board on hurricane-season preparedness tools, training and logistics coordination for state and local levee operators.

Barth described three primary operational systems: LIMS (Levee Information Management System) to track roughly 600 gates across the coast, HGMS (the hurricane gauge-management system) that aggregates gauges from USGS, NOAA, Corps and local partners, and the ASGS (ADCIRC surge guidance system) used to run twice-daily storm scenarios and to model right/left/consensus tracks. “When it gets into evacuation and those types of things, that's where the state really relies on National Weather Service and the local authorities for those decision making tools,” Barth said. He emphasized the ASGS output helps local levee districts time gate closures and pump operations.

Barth also summarized off-season preparedness: coordination on emergency operation plans, inventories of sandbags and HESCO baskets, and annual exercises such as gate and pump station tests (he cited Plaquemines Parish and the Western Closure Complex gate exercises). He said CPRA serves as the ESF‑3 function for GOSEP during events, supporting levee operations and logistics and helping manage WebEOC orders for dewatering support.

Ward reviewed GOSEP’s pre-season forecast context and logistics work. Citing NOAA and other forecasts, he described expectations of an above-normal Atlantic season and noted sea-surface temperatures in the Gulf that can accelerate storm strengthening. “We're preparing, for us to be as self sufficient as possible,” Ward said, describing new transportation and warehouse contracts, points of distribution planning, and a logistical staging area for generator and pump deployments. He said the state tested the staging-area approach during Tropical Storm Francine and will continue to scale it.

Both presenters stressed interagency coordination, exercises held since April, and the importance of shared situational awareness via dashboards. The board praised the preparatory work and emphasized ongoing outreach to parishes and levee districts.

Ending: CPRA and GOSEP said they will continue regular regional outreach and refine the “common operating picture” dashboard ahead of the June–November hurricane season.","CPRA operations and GOSEP presented coastal operational tools — LIMS gate management, HGMS gauge aggregation and the ADCIRC surge guidance system — and described logistics staging and statewide preparedness actions ahead of hurricane season.",{"_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},6193506,"CPRA interim director outlines 105 active projects, Chandeleur draft plan open for comment",196,2600000,2796000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3867048-9db4b7bb5fcf816077f972510bb1d8f3&start=2600&end=2796","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3867048-9db4b7bb5fcf816077f972510bb1d8f3/thumbnail_2600000.jpg","/articles/6193506/Louisiana/CPRA-interim-director-outlines-105-active-projects-Chandeleur-draft-plan-open-for-comment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6193506-d9fe1cbebda3249a0f7f7703c7a5de13/orig.mp4?Expires=1771071049&Signature=Ns38ehcSmhlBF5a53kqkyg9e9tqhTCydi6rarqeL0-yvVdYkkxVd6GZsVhRtZL0Yh6f7dBtBnaSZo0Pk~ZOgNX~ANlSuq0jYqzRP7ood-L-JdP7-QbFDGTrojunKFcJ4def5Ems-v3bn1610mxMe~zQ-fqpqoxXPklmq5CMzPBlQMrQm-DNrvLqeXYhwVWzaIazjC1DnoTcqIDRvutem0diN7~marbT0zjx5GD78nAV8RW8HN5piTtiO60z2nj2vFt5CGvD2ndKv93W-pnd~mDMVAXKjqPsUrKg8JDfD3vIvawEOMYClGcrn3VXZXhMkni0C6RBgj3wqQi75hAgvwg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Clay Parker, interim executive director of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, told the board CPRA currently manages 105 active projects — 38 in construction, 64 in engineering/design and three in planning — and outlined several funding milestones and program updates.

Parker said the draft restoration plan for the Chandeleur Islands was released for public review with comments open through July 16. “The total estimated cost to implement the preferred alternative for Chandeleur is approximately $360,000,000,” he said, adding the trustee implementation group proposes allocating about $247 million of Deepwater Horizon NRDA funds to the project.

He also confirmed CPRA was awarded a $60 million Restore grant for the river reintroduction into Maripah Swamp, which he described as the final major source of construction funding for the larger $488 million project slated for completion in 2029. Parker credited federal and local partners including the Army Corps and the Ponchartrain Levee District.

Parker said CPRA’s fiscal year 2026 annual plan had been unanimously approved on the House and Senate floors and, beginning July 1, would support 146 active projects and the operation, maintenance and monitoring of 163 projects. Highlights he cited included 77 projects in construction, 62 in engineering and design, and 21 dredging projects expected to move more than 71 million cubic yards of sediment to create or nourish over 16,000 acres.

Board members recognized outgoing executive director Glenn Ladday earlier in the meeting. Ladday, speaking to the board, said he would transition to a new role as secretary of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and had committed to a smooth handoff to interim director Parker.

Ending: Parker said a more detailed implementation report would be presented next month and thanked staff for continuity during the leadership transition.","Interim CPRA Executive Director Clay Parker presented implementation metrics, identified a $60 million Restore grant for the Maripah river reintroduction, and said the FY2026 annual plan had been approved by both legislative chambers.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6193510,"USACE New Orleans district highlights $1.3B in recent obligations, prepares projects ahead of hurricane season as colonel departs",514,502000,1016000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3867048-9db4b7bb5fcf816077f972510bb1d8f3&start=502&end=1016","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3867048-9db4b7bb5fcf816077f972510bb1d8f3/thumbnail_502000.jpg","/articles/6193510/Louisiana/USACE-New-Orleans-district-highlights-13B-in-recent-obligations-prepares-projects-ahead-of-hurricane-season-as-colonel-departs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6193510-7d00fcf5879bebb69281da1de58c2717/orig.mp4?Expires=1771071049&Signature=XhvectWbfSvBJE-Qiw3L1wF5haWxzTG~c5X6q363yTuIL1tydfM0QTKO2GdCefnziVs14ix~FnAMuGSk5ao7wgcp566~dRqbPiGfVMuJ08saeXe8qJ95I5YhQSNl6vTRsW1W5qtr7YVtGKSXxCouqRU7ejQd9NURU~KrRRNAXPgSGYYQoHmYu1iT~SCrqc5aDQf0a4m~M4CSdcosFpFdwYpR8imZmrFEbrLsmbi~jFVTFX3-8X76n8Y75cQj81eBS16qKo3-~irnSQ0PzU3cahdD4pkFdd~x4rR~MbarsRk7vsw-nWXD7lB0OJuT4KM751g1-HARk1FXgiAnfWSTEA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Colonel Andrew Collins, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New Orleans District, told the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board that the district obligated more than $1.3 billion on local projects last year and is on track for another large funding year while he prepares to depart for a Washington assignment.

Collins said the district had eight systems under construction, continued home-raising packages under Southwest Coastal, and recent authorization of a $5.9 billion St. Tammany flood risk management project covering about 18.5 miles of levees and nearly 6,000 structures. “We have not seen any areas of high or median concern,” Collins said of 937 miles of Mississippi River levees the district monitors.

The colonel gave a multipart account of work completed and planned: regional delivery of $108 million of Mississippi River levee projects, completion of nine banks-and-stability worksites last year, six more priority sites this year with Saint Gabriel described as the top priority, and ongoing contracts for the Ponchartrain levee and Morganza-to-the-Gulf efforts. He said 11 of 14 contracts for one large project were under way and the remaining three were expected to be awarded in 2025, with $683 million obligated to date.

Collins also reviewed nonstructural initiatives, saying the district expects to buy down risk for roughly 15,000 residential and nonresidential structures through elevation and other measures, and reported progress on a large-scale sedimentation and navigation analysis (the Lower Mississippi River comprehensive study). He described engineering outcomes that could inform long-term solutions — including sedimentation issues between Vicksburg and Red River Landing and the potential benefit of widening Wax Lake outlet — and said study work would be resumed quickly once funding is available.

On operations readiness, Collins said the Corps and local partners conducted high-water planning exercises this spring, tested a Bayou Carey Spillway gate, and confirmed all 17 pumps at the permanent canal closures and pumps are “fit to fight” for hurricane season 2025 following repairs and new cathodic protection installations. He noted continued coordination with CPRA, levee districts and contractors on those repairs.

Board members thanked Collins for his service; several speakers praised his responsiveness and partnership during his district tenure. Chairman Dove noted Collins will be honored at a July 25 change-of-command event. Collins said he was proud to have worked with local partners and that the region’s resiliency depends on both engineering and community will.

The presentation included funding figures and project-authorizations that Collins said are in various stages of headquarters review and spend-plan approval, including a planned supplemental environmental impact statement in spring 2026 for a major reach of the Morganza-to-the-Gulf work.

Ending: Collins closed by reaffirming the Corps’ commitment to the projects and partners in South Louisiana and thanked the board for the collaboration; board members offered parting remarks and best wishes for his next assignment in Washington.","Colonel Collins of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers gave a long-range update on flood-risk projects, construction progress and readiness for hurricane season, and marked his final meeting before reassignment to Washington.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

CPRA board to enter executive session over Mid-Barataria diversion litigation and contract/settlement strategy

CPRA and GOSEP outline hurricane-season readiness: gate tracking, gauges and logistics staging

CPRA interim director outlines 105 active projects, Chandeleur draft plan open for comment

USACE New Orleans district highlights $1.3B in recent obligations, prepares projects ahead of hurricane season as colonel departs