Louisiana Seeks Input on Coastal Restoration Plans
Published Date: 5/18/2026
Notice
Summary
The Louisiana Trustee group is planning to restore wetlands and coastal areas hurt by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, focusing on East Orleans Landbridge and Raccoon Island. They’ve picked two main plans that could cost about $247 million and want your thoughts by June 17, 2026. This effort will help wildlife and communities bounce back stronger and healthier.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
East Orleans Landbridge Restoration
If you live in coastal Louisiana near East Orleans, the preferred plan would dredge and place about 5.0 million cubic yards (3.8 million m3) of sediment to restore up to 1,320 acres (534 hectares) of wetland and build about 14,867 feet (4.53 km) of shoreline protection. The estimated cost to build this preferred alternative is approximately $101.2 million.
Raccoon Island Barrier-Island Restoration
If you live in coastal Louisiana near Raccoon Island, the preferred plan would dredge about 2.9 million cubic yards (2.2 million m3) of sand from an offshore source to restore up to 410 acres (166 hectares) of barrier island habitat, maintain existing Gulfside breakwaters, build four bayside breakwaters, and construct nine living shoreline structures. The estimated cost to build this preferred alternative is approximately $145.5 million.
Funding, Public Comment, and Next Steps
The two preferred alternatives together are estimated to cost about $246.7 million and would be funded from the Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats Restoration Type allocation. The Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group is accepting public comments on the Draft RP/EA #8.1 through June 17, 2026, and will hold a public webinar on Monday, June 8, 2026 from 12:00 pm–1:00 pm Central Time.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14204, Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary; Delay of Effective Date
NOAA is giving everyone more time before the rule that bans grappling or anchoring on Lake Ontario shipwrecks kicks in. Instead of starting in July 2026, this rule is now delayed until September 2028 to let NOAA set up mooring buoys and work with divers and boaters. This means boaters and commercial vessels can keep anchoring safely while NOAA gets everything ready without rushing.
2026-14195, Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are wiping away the official definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act starting September 14, 2026. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered plants and animals by shifting how “harm” is understood and enforced. It’s a big move that could change how projects and protections are handled, but no new costs or deadlines are added right now.
2026-07536, Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys in the Gulf of America
Starting April 20, 2026, NOAA is setting new rules for companies doing geophysical surveys in the Gulf of America to protect marine mammals. These rules let companies get permission to accidentally disturb marine mammals but require them to minimize harm and report what they find. This plan lasts five years and helps balance ocean research with saving sea life.
2026-05599, Deep Seabed Mining: Notice of Receipt of Applications for Deep Seabed Mining Exploration Licenses and Announcement of Public Comment Period and Virtual Public Hearings
NOAA got two applications from companies wanting to explore mining deep under the ocean floor. They’re holding virtual public meetings in April and want your thoughts by May 22, 2026. This affects anyone interested in ocean mining and how we protect our seas while exploring new resources.
2026-04256, Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Spatial Fisheries Management; Amendment 15 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan
Starting April 3, 2026, new rules change shark fishing zones and times in the Atlantic to better protect sharks and manage fishing risks. Fishermen using bottom and pelagic longline gear will see updated area boundaries and must pay for electronic monitoring if fishing in certain safer zones. These changes help keep shark populations healthy while supporting responsible fishing.
2026-20268, New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council is holding a public meeting on October 16, 2026, to discuss important fishery rules that affect fishermen and communities in New England’s waters. They’ll review advice from experts about protecting fish species and plan meetings for next year. This meeting could lead to new fishing rules that impact how and when people fish, helping keep the ocean healthy and fishing sustainable.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-09899, Notice of Public Meeting To Prepare for International Maritime Organization TC 76 Session
The U.S. Department of State is hosting a public teleconference on June 5, 2026, to get ready for the International Maritime Organization’s big meeting in London from June 8-12. This meeting affects anyone involved in global shipping and maritime safety, focusing on teamwork, training, and promoting equality in the maritime world. If you want to join or need special accommodations, sign up by May 29—no costs involved, just your voice!
Next: 2026-09902, Silicomanganese From India: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2023-2024
The U.S. Department of Commerce found that Maithan Alloys Limited from India sold silicomanganese in the U.S. at unfairly low prices between May 2023 and April 2024. Because of this, extra duties will apply starting May 18, 2026, affecting importers and the company’s sales. Deadlines were pushed back due to government shutdowns, but now the final results are set and ready to roll!