It’s a move to catch the attention of state lawmakers, but they have limited oversight of the coastal Master Plan.
Author Archives: Bob Marshall
From 2013 to 2017, Bob Marshall covered environmental issues for The Lens, with a special focus on coastal restoration and wetlands. While at The Times-Picayune, his work chronicling the people, stories and issues of Louisiana
Posted inEnvironment
No surprise: Local levee board knew months ago that state would cut funding
In March, months before it sued oil and gas companies, the levee authority knew the state would pull its funding.
Posted inEnvironment
State cuts funding to levee authority that sued oil and gas companies
Head of the state coastal agency says the $500,000 cut is simply a matter of tight government finances.
Posted inEnvironment
Bermuda grass is a cheap way to resist erosion — but it may not be enough
Alternatives include porous mats that hold soils in place while allowing grass to grow — at an added cost of more than $350 million. Layering the whole system with concrete is another costly option.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Consultant says Gusman can shave $5 million off annual cost of jail consent decree
The sheriff would have to cut the inmate population.
Posted inOpinion
It’s been a mild hurricane season to date, but best to keep that hatchet handy
Weather gurus were wrong in predicting an unusually rough storm season; that doesn’t mean we’re in the clear.
Posted inEnvironment
After being replaced on levee board, lawsuit proponent announces new effort
John Barry says he’ll form a new nonprofit to support a blockbuster lawsuit against the oil and gas industry.
Posted inEnvironment
Facing replacement on levee board, John Barry pledges more action on coastal loss
He may still end up serving on the board of the state coastal agency, which meets today.
Posted inEnvironment
Levee authority, Corps of Engineers in standoff over ownership of hurricane protection system
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says the state is responsible for each piece of the system when the corps says it’s done. Local officials say that’s like buying a car one piece at a time. Not far in the future, someone will have to pay to upgrade the system to deal with sinking land and rising seas.
Posted inEnvironment
Live blog recap: Committee decides not to renominate John Barry to flood authority
The reason: Barry’s role in a controversial lawsuit against oil and gas companies.