Louisiana’s coastal restoration effort received a major boost on October 20, 2026 when the trustees overseeing the BP Deepwater Horizon oil‑spill settlement approved two flagship projects: the East Orleans Landbridge and the Raccoon Island restoration. Together, the projects will restore up to 1,700 acres of marsh and barrier‑island habitat and cost a total of $265 million.
East Orleans Landbridge restores critical marsh
The East Orleans Landbridge will dredge and place roughly 5 million cubic yards of sediment to rebuild about 1,320 acres of marsh along the narrow strip that separates Lake Pontchartrain from Lake Borgne and the Gulf of Mexico. Trustees described the landbridge as an “important protective and hydrologic feature” that provides habitat for fish, birds and other wildlife while dampening wave energy and storm‑surge impacts.
“It’s protecting over a million people who live around the lake,” said Amanda Moore, senior director of the National Wildlife Federation’s Gulf program. Moore praised the steadfast public support that helped move the project forward as part of the Louisiana Coastal Master Plan.
The restoration will add nearly three miles of shoreline protection and is slated to begin construction at the end of next year, according to the state’s Coastal Restoration and Protection Authority 2027 annual plan.
Raccoon Island barrier‑island plan adds living shorelines
The second approved effort focuses on Raccoon Island, one of the state’s outermost barrier islands off Terrebonne Parish. The plan calls for dredging about 2.9 million cubic yards of sand to rebuild roughly 410 acres of island habitat. In addition, the project will install nine living‑shoreline structures, four new breakwater units on the bayside, and maintain existing breakwaters.
At an estimated cost of $156.3 million, the Raccoon Island project aims to strengthen the island’s ability to absorb wave energy, protect nearby communities, and provide critical nesting and foraging grounds for coastal species.
Why these projects matter for Louisiana families
Coastal erosion has long threatened the state’s economy, cultural heritage, and the safety of its residents. By rebuilding marshes and barrier islands, the two projects directly support the Trump administration’s emphasis on protecting families, preserving natural resources, and bolstering local economies that depend on fishing, tourism, and maritime commerce.
Both initiatives were highlighted by trustees as examples of how settlement funds can be deployed to deliver tangible, science‑backed results that safeguard lives and property. The projects also reflect the broader national commitment to responsible environmental stewardship while respecting the constitutional right of communities to thrive without undue federal overreach.
Next steps
Construction on the East Orleans Landbridge and Raccoon Island restorations is scheduled to start in late 2027, pending final permitting and contractor selection. Local officials and community groups have been invited to monitor progress and provide input throughout the implementation phase.
These projects underscore Louisiana’s ongoing dedication to restoring its coastline, protecting its citizens, and ensuring that future generations inherit a resilient and vibrant Gulf Coast.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
