The NewsRoom
Release: #4045
Date: October 27, 2009

MMS Approves $1 Million Grant for Louisiana Shoreline Protection

CIAP Grant Will Help Prevent Coastal Erosion

NEW ORLEANS – The Interior Department’s Minerals Management Service (MMS) announced the approval of a $1 million grant to Calcasieu Parish in Louisiana through the Coastal Impact Assistance Program (CIAP), for a shoreline protection project at the parish’s Intracoastal Park.

Grant funding will create improvements to Intracoastal Park’s shoreline and slow the rate of coastal erosion that has occurred due to large boat traffic at the area’s bank.  Intracoastal Park is located in southwestern Louisiana, approximately ten miles south of Sulphur in Calcasieu Parish.

“I welcome the opportunity to partner with the State of Louisiana on this vital coastal protection project,” said MMS Director Liz Birnbaum.  “MMS is committed to assisting Louisiana in conserving and restoring state shorelines and natural resources through the Coastal Impact Assistance Program.” 

The CIAP was created by the Energy Policy Act of 2005.  Through the program, MMS will provide $250 million in grants annually, from 2007-2010, to six eligible Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas producing states – Louisiana, Alabama, Alaska, California, Mississippi, and Texas.  The funding to Louisiana includes $127.5 million for each of the fiscal years 2007 and 2008, and $120.9 million for 2009 and 2010.  Nineteen Coastal Political Subdivisions (parishes) share in the funding of projects outlined in the state’s approved plan.

Media Contact:
   Eileen Angelico (504) 736-2595
   Bill Lee (504) 736-2597

MMS: Securing Ocean Energy & Economic Value for America
U.S. Department of the Interior

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Last Updated: 11/04/2009, 09:48 AM Central Time