Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry questioned the feasibility of a $3 billion coastal restoration project, citing its escalating costs and potential harm to fishing industries vital to the region’s culture.Kevin McGill reports for The Associated Press.In short:The Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project aims to rebuild Louisiana’s eroding coastline by channeling sediment from the Mississippi River into the Barataria Basin to create 20-40 square miles of new land over 50 years.Gov. Landry expressed concerns about its cost, projected cultural impact on fishing communities and potential taxpayer burden during Senate committee testimony.Environmental advocates argue the project is essential to restoring wetlands, which provide natural storm protection and critical habitats for marine life.Key quote:“As we continue to lose wetlands to open water, that’s just less and less breeding grounds, less and less protection for all of our juvenile shrimp, crab, finfish, you name it.”— Corey Miller, community engagement director with the nonprofit Pontchartrain ConservancyWhy this matters:Louisiana’s coastline is vanishing due to subsidence, sea-level rise and human activity. Wetlands are critical for storm protection and biodiversity, but delays and rising costs threaten this large-scale restoration effort, leaving vulnerable communities at risk.Related coverage:
Louisiana governor challenges costly coastal restoration plan
