Press Releases

CPRA Releases Louisiana's 2017 Draft Coastal Master Plan

Jan 3, 2017

Jan 3, 2017 — Baton Rouge — Louisiana's Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) released the most sophisticated coastal protection and restoration master plan to date Jan. 3 – the draft for Louisiana’s 2017 Comprehensive Master Plan for a Sustainable Coast.

Formed in 2005 in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, CPRA received the task of producing a Coastal Master Plan, updated every five years, that would address the needs of reducing flood risk to communities through a combination of wetland restoration, structural risk reduction, and helping communities become more resilient in the face of flooding risks. 

Work on the 2017 Coastal Master Plan began soon after the 2012 plan was completed with a focus on greatly improving the numerical modeling used to evaluate projects. Through partnerships with CPRA, as well as university and private firms, the Institute contributed heavily to the 2017 Coastal Master Plan through modeling, technical advice and analysis, and through the development of a social vulnerability index and an adaptive management plan.

The Institute’s contributions – both as primary author and in conjunction with partners – are included in the following appendices of CPRA’s 2017 Draft Coastal Master Plan.

Appendix C: Modeling

  • Chapter 1 – Introduction 
  • Chapter 2 – Future Scenarios
  • Chapter 3 – Modeling Components and Overview
  • Chapter 4 – Model Outcomes and Interpretations

Appendix F: Adaptive Management Plan

These appendices, along with the entire draft plan, can be viewed on the CPRA website