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Check out the Atchafalaya Master Plan Public Webinar from Oct. 1, 2024, on Vimeo:

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the goals and objectives of the Atchafalaya Master Plan?

The goal of the Atchafalaya Master Plan is to “manage the use of Atchafalaya River System sediments and water to maximize ecosystem functions and support continued human uses.”

All projects in the final Atchafalaya Master Plan will align with this goal and its objectives, listed below:

  • Natural Processes: Promote a sustainable ecosystem by harnessing the natural processes of the Atchafalaya River System.
  • Habitats: Provide habitats that support conservation and a range of commercial and recreational activities within the Atchafalaya River System.
  • Cultural Heritage: Preserve the unique cultural heritage of the Atchafalaya River System by protecting historic properties, traditional living cultures, and their connections to the natural environment.
  • Working River System: Promote a viable working Atchafalaya River System to support regionally and nationally important business and industry.

How will the public be able to participate in the planning process?

Public engagement will be a significant part of the planning process and the project development team will have touchpoints with the public throughout the process.

  • Project Solicitation will allow the public to directly suggest projects for consideration in the plan.
  • Public Engagements such as public webinars, email communications, and website updates will occur at regular intervals to keep the public apprised of plan development progress.
  • Public Comment will allow the public to provide comments on the draft plan.
  • CPRA Board Meetings will allow the project development team to share information to the public through the publicized meetings.

Does CPRA plan to include certain types of projects in the Atchafalaya Master Plan?

The Atchafalaya Master Plan will consider seven different types of projects:

  • Hydrologic Restoration
  • Freshwater Diversion
  • Sediment Diversion
  • Dredging, Placement/Disposal of Dredging Material
  • Sediment Trapping
  • Shoreline Protection
  • Recreational Use/Access

Additionally, the Atchafalaya Master Plan will incorporate programmatic approaches to address issues throughout the system, including promoting educational opportunities and managing invasive species.

Will the Atchafalaya Master Plan include nature-based solutions or only grey solutions?

CPRA will explore all practical solutions as part of the Atchafalaya Master Plan. These solutions include nature-based and “grey” solutions. All projects of the same type will be evaluated in the same way.

Will previously approved projects be included in the plan moving forward?

Any previously approved projects are still on track as described in the CPRA Annual Plan.

Is funding available to implement the projects that will be part of the final Atchafalaya Master Plan?

While funding for specific projects recommended in the final Atchafalaya Master Plan is not specifically identified at this phase of planning, the plan will serve as a vehicle to acquire funding from a variety of federal, state, and private sources.