Coastal Protection and
Restoration Authority

Process & Timeline

The development of the Plan focuses on amplifying the voices of those who know the ARS most and utilizing cutting-edge science to create the best future possible for the region. The five-step process integrates public opinion, expert review, modeling, and the oversight of community and local leaders. This process ensures the development of both a scientifically sound and widely supported plan that can be realistically implemented.

Master Planning Process:

Current Activities:

The plan development team is currently evaluating a set of candidate projects, which have been identified and slated for consideration in the Atchafalaya Master Plan through an initial screening process. These projects, ranging from hydrologic restoration and dredging to freshwater and sediment diversions, were sourced from previous planning efforts, expert feedback, the plan development team, and public input via the project solicitation process. The modeling teams have calibrated hydrologic and hydraulic models and will begin evaluating how these projects perform under different flow and sea level conditions. Ongoing engagement with the Working Group, Collaborative Engagement Group, and Steering Committee will continue to guide the planning effort through project modeling and selection.