Approves the annual state integrated coastal protection plan for Fiscal Year 2026, as adopted by the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board.
Senate Resolution 28 approves Louisiana’s Fiscal Year 2026 Annual State Integrated Coastal Protection Plan, as adopted by the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board. The resolution does not create a new program or make a broad policy change on its own; instead, it gives legislative approval to the existing coastal protection plan required under state law and referenced in the Coastal Protection and Restoration statutes.
The resolution describes the legal framework for the plan, including the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board’s role in developing and overseeing the plan, the Authority’s role in implementation and enforcement, and the requirement that the plan include coastal protection, restoration, and hurricane protection projects. It also references related components such as the Atchafalaya Basin annual basin plan, public hearings, written comment periods, and submission of the plan to specified legislative committees for review and approval.
SR28’s practical effect is to authorize implementation of the Fiscal Year 2026 integrated coastal protection plan under R.S. 49:214.5.1 et seq. and related provisions. By approving the plan, the legislature allows the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority and Board to proceed with coastal restoration, flood protection, and related project planning, funding allocations, and associated measures such as dredged material use, easements, rights-of-way, environmental compliance, and maintenance activities. It does not amend the underlying statutes, but it activates the annual plan within the existing statutory coastal management framework.
The overall sentiment reflected in the resolution is strongly supportive of coastal protection and restoration efforts. The bill text frames the plan as necessary to address Louisiana’s ongoing coastal crisis and emphasizes the importance of coordinated state action, public input, and legislative oversight. No votes or committee transcripts were provided, so there is no recorded opposition or debate in the available materials.
No specific contention is shown in the provided record, and there are no committee transcripts or vote details indicating disagreement. Based on the bill text, any potential points of concern would likely relate to project prioritization, funding for associated measures, land acquisition or easements, environmental and regulatory compliance, and the balance between coastal restoration, hurricane protection, and local stakeholder input. However, the available materials do not identify any named opponents or disputed provisions.