Coastal Protection board details project pipeline, new procurement authority and Restore Council award
June 18, 2026 | Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board, Boards & Commissions, Organizations, Executive, Louisiana
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The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board met June 17 in LaPlace and heard a sweeping implementation update on construction, procurement and federal funding for coastal restoration projects across southeastern Louisiana.
Board members and staff said the agency currently has 34 projects in active construction and 71 in planning. CPA Director Michael (identified in the meeting as leading the implementation update) told the board the agency is sequencing a large portfolio of projects in close coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other partners.
Why it matters: the projects include risk-reduction works (levees, floodwalls and pump stations) that staff said protect communities and critical infrastructure. Michael said the agency recently drew nearly $80 million from FEMA to complete a west headland repair and confirmed other construction bids are under review.
A new procurement tool: Michael explained that House Bill 1193 (enacted as Act 882) authorizes CPA to pre-qualify contractors in an IDIQ-style pool for smaller maintenance and preparatory construction tasks, allowing CPA to reduce the time and staff effort needed for many small solicitations while preserving statutory low-bid award requirements. “This process allows us to pre-screen…and qualify companies,” he said, adding CPA will begin outreach to industry to implement the program.
Restore Council award: staff reported the Restore Council recently approved an additional $90 million for the Shangler project after a multi-state consensus effort. Michael characterized the vote as a milestone that helps position Louisiana projects for large federal awards.
Board governance and motions: the board approved the meeting agenda and moved to accept the previous meeting’s minutes during routine business. Those procedural motions passed without recorded opposition.
What’s next: staff said several major contracts are near award or advertisement, including a Corps-led 103A floodwall contract expected to be awarded next month and a larger pump-station contract that staff said is on the critical path and scheduled for completion near 2030. CPA also said it will roll out the new contractor-pool process in coming months and continue to coordinate closely with local parish partners and the Corps.
The board adjourned after additional project and partner updates.
Board members and staff said the agency currently has 34 projects in active construction and 71 in planning. CPA Director Michael (identified in the meeting as leading the implementation update) told the board the agency is sequencing a large portfolio of projects in close coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other partners.
Why it matters: the projects include risk-reduction works (levees, floodwalls and pump stations) that staff said protect communities and critical infrastructure. Michael said the agency recently drew nearly $80 million from FEMA to complete a west headland repair and confirmed other construction bids are under review.
A new procurement tool: Michael explained that House Bill 1193 (enacted as Act 882) authorizes CPA to pre-qualify contractors in an IDIQ-style pool for smaller maintenance and preparatory construction tasks, allowing CPA to reduce the time and staff effort needed for many small solicitations while preserving statutory low-bid award requirements. “This process allows us to pre-screen…and qualify companies,” he said, adding CPA will begin outreach to industry to implement the program.
Restore Council award: staff reported the Restore Council recently approved an additional $90 million for the Shangler project after a multi-state consensus effort. Michael characterized the vote as a milestone that helps position Louisiana projects for large federal awards.
Board governance and motions: the board approved the meeting agenda and moved to accept the previous meeting’s minutes during routine business. Those procedural motions passed without recorded opposition.
What’s next: staff said several major contracts are near award or advertisement, including a Corps-led 103A floodwall contract expected to be awarded next month and a larger pump-station contract that staff said is on the critical path and scheduled for completion near 2030. CPA also said it will roll out the new contractor-pool process in coming months and continue to coordinate closely with local parish partners and the Corps.
The board adjourned after additional project and partner updates.
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