The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority is crafting a new program aimed at preparing and elevating homes in south Louisiana to alleviate future flood risk, as well as relocating communities that may not be able to protect themselves.
The Courier reports state and local officials gave an overview of the proposed program, which is being included in the state’s rewrite of its 50-year, $50 billion Coastal Master Plan, during a meeting in Houma on Wednesday.
The program is still in the development stages, CPRA strategic planning deputy chief Karim Belhadjali says. But officials have identified 54 areas that need nonstructural work and are in the process of identifying possible projects.
Homes and other buildings that face flood risks of 14 feet or more would be relocated under the plan, while homes dealing with 3- to 14-foot flooding would be elevated. Homes and other buildings facing less than 3 feet of risk would be “hardened,” or be refitted with proper windows, roofs and door frames.
The major hurdle remaining is finding the money to pay for the projects. The program was included in a state application to the federal government for resiliency dollars that were eventually awarded to New Orleans, the state Office of Community Development and the residents of Isle de Jean Charles.
The program will develop the framework for the projects, including finding revenue sources, coordinating and collaborating with local agencies and providing community outreach. This will include tools and data available online and future community meetings.
