CPRA board backs statewide 'Love Our Waterways' cleanup; resolution adopted unanimously

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) Board voted July 15 to adopt a resolution endorsing 'Love Our Waterways,' a monthlong shoreline and storm‑drain cleanup campaign promoted by the lieutenant governor’s office.

The resolution, moved and seconded during a public meeting in Thibodaux, passed by voice vote; the chair announced there were no objections and declared the motion carried. The resolution asks CPRA staff and partners to help promote and coordinate volunteer events and public education tied to cleaner waterways.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungess and Susan Russell, who leads the program under the lieutenant governor’s office, described community and private‑sector participation. “We are reaching out and telling people whether it’s a kayak or a canoe or your family boat … make plans to launch that boat in a community near you,” Russell said, urging shoreline and inland communities to organize events. Russell told the board the initiative had already registered 107 events on its website ahead of the September launch.

Speakers emphasized volunteer engagement, school outreach and private‑sector support. The lieutenant governor’s office described partnerships with retailers and local groups to supply cleanup materials and outreach tools, and said the program will collect data on removed items to help identify persistent problem areas.

Board members pressed staff on logistics for handling large items—abandoned vessels and tires—and asked about potential grant support for removal work after storms. Program leaders said they are coordinating with state agencies, including DEQ and wildlife and fisheries, to plan safe disposal and potential grant requests.

The board’s action is limited to supporting and promoting the campaign; no new funding allocation for the program was approved at the meeting. CPRA staff said they would report back on coordination plans and volunteer data at a future meeting. The board’s next regular meeting was announced for August.