Louisiana
Gov. Landry: Compromise could come soon over Louisiana’s largest coastal project
NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said he hopes negotiators iron out a compromise soon over the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion, the state’s largest and most controversial coastal restoration project.
The diversion, which has been the centerpiece of Louisiana’s coastal program, would channel up to 75,000 cubic feet per second of Mississippi River water into the bay to mimic how the river built the delta is South Louisiana.
Computer models suggest Mid-Barataria would build 21 square miles of land over a 50 year period.
While many coastal activists hail the project as game changing for a disappearing delta, the project is bitterly opposed by commercial fishing interests. They fear that much fresh water would doom their industries and devastate marine life in Barataria Bay.
COAST IN CRISIS
Plaquemines Parish Government filed suit over the project and issued a stop work order, which brought construction to a screeching halt earlier this year.
In a tentative compromise, the Landry administration and Plaquemines Parish worked out an agreement allowing some construction to continue while negotiators work on a long term deal.
This week, Landry voiced concern about litigation delaying the project and about its rising costs, which have escalated over the years to reach an estimated $2.9 billion.
“We have projects along the entire coast that need to be funded,” Landry said.
Simply downsizing the diversion presents a number of challenges, coastal activists say.
Revising the plans would require an Environmental Assessment from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which could lead to a full-fledged Environmental Impact Statement and the possibility of years of delay.
Funding for the project flows from fines and court settlements associated with the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil disaster.
Any change in the scope or scale of the diversion would require the approval of the boards that administer that money.
Landry declined to go into specifics about what a compromise might entail, but sounded an optimistic note about the prospects for a solution.
“I can tell you I believe the negotiations between us and the parish and the contractors is going well,” Landry said.
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When it comes to retiring, the best places to do so often are affordable, have a high quality of life and access to quality healthcare.
If you’re looking for a place to retire, Niche has identified the best places for retirees in Louisiana.
In its list, Niche has taken into account factors like weather, crime rates, housing costs and access to amenities.
The 5 best places to retire in Louisiana according to Niche
These are the top five best places to retire in Louisiana, according to Niche.
1. Oak Hills Place
Oak Hills Place is a suburb of Baton Rouge and is the overall best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb, located in East Baton Rouge Parish, has a population of 9,038 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. The area is highly rated for families, diversity, as well as health and fitness. Here, the median home value is $437,900 and the median rent is $1,422, according to Niche.
2. Westminster
Westminster is another suburb of Baton Rouge and is the second-best place to retire in Louisiana. Located in East Baton Rouge Parish, this suburb has a population of 2,559 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. This area is highly rated for nightlife, diversity, families, health and fitness, as well as commute. The median home value here is $266,100 and the median rent is $1,482, says Niche.
3. River Ridge
River Ridge is a suburb of New Orleans, located in Jefferson Parish, and is the third-best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb has a population of 13,312 and offers residents a dense suburban feel. The area is highly rated for public schools, family, nightlife and diversity. The median home value is $357,400 and the median rent is $1,127, according to Niche.
4. Westlake
Westlake is a town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. With a population of 4,743, this town offers residents a rural feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, jobs, cost of living, nightlife and weather. Here, the median home value is $166,100 and the median rent is $1,049, says Niche.
5. Prien
Prien is another town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. This town has a population of 7,119 and offers residents a suburban rural mix feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, nightlife and weather. The median home value here is $278,000 and the median rent is $1,292, according to Niche.
Presley Bo Tyler is the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team reporter for USA Today Network. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
A motorcyclist is recovering after a West Monroe crash involving an 18-wheeler, while Chevron won a Louisiana Supreme Court ruling shifting a major coastal lawsuit back to lower courts. Ouachita deputies arrested a suspect and recovered more than a dozen guns, Mississippi passed a new school social-media safety requirement, and Louisiana’s House advanced a unanimous state budget. A new recovery center opened, and multiple weekend events are underway across northeast Louisiana, plus national updates include stock-market stress guidance, a Ford F-150 recall, Spirit Airlines uncertainty, and tax-refund tips.
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