Jefferson Parish Coastal Strategic Action Plan
Programs and funding sources have significantly increased since Jefferson Parish’s coastal plan was developed, allowing local governments to initiate and actively participate in coastal restoration and protection initiatives. In addition to the funding sources below, additional disaster response funding and potential stimulus funds should be monitored because those can often become available in a short period of time and require “shovel ready” projects that can quickly proceed to construction.
RESTORE Act
The RESTORE Act dedicates 80 percent of the administrative and civil penalties paid by responsible parties as a result of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The RESTORE Act contains five different funding components or “buckets.” One of these, the Direct Component, distributes funding directly to coastal parishes.
As part of the Direct Component, Jefferson Parish is eligible to receive approximately $13.4 million over the life of the 15-year payout. These funds can then be utilized to implement the Parish’s priority projects and, in some cases, to leverage with other sources and programs.
As part of the Direct Component, Jefferson Parish is eligible to receive approximately $13.4 million over the life of the 15-year payout. These funds can then be utilized to implement the Parish’s priority projects and, in some cases, to leverage with other sources and programs.
Gulf of Mexico Energy and Security Act (GOMESA)
GOMESA provides revenues from Outer Continental Shelf activities to the Gulf Coast producing states of and their coastal political subdivisions (parishes/counties). GOMESA’s Phase II began in fiscal year 2017, which expanded the revenue sharing cap to $500 million per year for these entities.
Jefferson Parish can utilize these funds for coastal restoration and hurricane protection, among other things. Annual distributions are based upon leasing and oil production within the Gulf of Mexico, with the Parish receiving approximately $1.5 million to $3.0 million per year. Jefferson Parish has recently bonded this revenue stream to accelerate implementation for vital projects such as the Lafitte levees, West Barataria Marsh, and Bucktown Marsh Restoration and Living Shoreline projects.
Jefferson Parish can utilize these funds for coastal restoration and hurricane protection, among other things. Annual distributions are based upon leasing and oil production within the Gulf of Mexico, with the Parish receiving approximately $1.5 million to $3.0 million per year. Jefferson Parish has recently bonded this revenue stream to accelerate implementation for vital projects such as the Lafitte levees, West Barataria Marsh, and Bucktown Marsh Restoration and Living Shoreline projects.
Additional Funding Sources
- Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (CWPPRA)
- Louisiana Coastal Area Program (LCA)
- National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)
- Water Resources Development Act (WRDA)
- NOAA Coastal and Marine Habitat Restoration
- Grants
- Public-Private Partnerships
- Disaster Relief Funding