The Lens, with sponsorship from the Mississippi River Delta Coalition, is hosting a panel discussion on the financing of the $50 billion coastal master plan at Loyola University, Wednesday, Aug. 20 from 6 to 8 p.m.
The story we published on that subject generated a lot of discussion and concern, which helped lead to this event.
While much of the discussion about the master plan lately has revolved around implementation — in particular the pros and cons of river diversions — without funding, it’s all academic. Our panel discussion will expand the conversation.
This event is designed to send the audience home with a solid understanding of how to restore our coast. An example of questions we plan to address include the following:
- How far can we go on the current master plan with the funding in place as well as future funding the state believes it can count on?
- What will happen to the scope of the master plan, and the coast, if we don’t secure funding sources beyond that date?
- What are the chances Congress will step up in the next decade and provide substantial funding?
- What are alternative sources of money?
- What can you do to help with this challenge?
Who:
- Mark Davis, Tulane Institute on Water Resources Law and Policy
- John Driscoll, Corporate Planning Resources
- Kyle Graham, Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority
- Douglas J. Meffert, Audubon Louisiana/National Audubon Society
- Steve Murchie, Gulf Restoration Network
- John Snell, WVUE/Fox 8 Moderator
- Courtney Taylor, Environmental Defense Fund
When:
- Wednesday, Aug. 20
- 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Loyola University, Miller Hall 114
Questions: amueller@TheLensNola.org or (504) 258-1624
Light refreshments will be served.
To learn more about the issue, we invite you to read these articles:
Coastal restoration financing is uncertain, but Louisiana has ideas to find $50 billion
Has state found strategy to hold Corp of Engineers responsible for coastal erosion?
As Lawsuits proliferate, will Big Oil join in a ‘grand bargin’ to save the coast?
