Construction is underway on a 32-million dollar project along the coast of Cameron Parish that will turn open water back intio marsh. Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Project Manager Jessica Diez says it will restore 308 acres of coastal marsh habitat and eleven acres of earthen terraces.
“We’ve lost approximately 7,000 acres of land that have opened up to open water and this is a huge area to protect Calcasieu Parish,” said Diez.
The area being restored is northwest of Holly Beach. The $32-million-dollar project is funded by the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act, and is it a joint effort by CPRA and NOAA.
Diez said not only does the project assist Cameron Parish but areas north by adding acreage between land and sea pushing it further away from heavily populated areas.
“The folks in Calcasieu Parish usually are extremely pro-projects in Cameron Parish just because it gives that barrier and protection for that area north,” said Diez.
The project will also assist wildlife. Diez said the area is part of the Mississippi Flyway which supplies stopover habitats for migratory birds.
“It’s also located south of the Sabine Wildlife National Refuge so it will help protect those areas as well,” said Diez.
Diez said they expect to have the project completed by the end of the year.
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