The state’s new governor wants to shrink the power of the agency, which has spearheaded essential flood protection and mitigation efforts since the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Louisiana’s robust coastal protection plans are under threat from Governor Jeff Landry’s plan to radically transform the state’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, say environmental advocates.
Christopher Dalbom, a senior research fellow at Tulane University, calls the agency “one of the best, deepest coastal restoration authorities in the country.” Since its inception in 2005, the authority has built or repaired over 300 miles of levees and restored coastal barrier islands.
As Shannon Osaka explains in The Washington Post, “Landry, who took office in January, has removed six members of the coastal restoration agency’s board and suggested subsuming it into another, larger department.” Environmental groups worry the shakeup could slow down important projects and inject politics into the agency.
A plan to divert part of the Mississippi River in a region where the shoreline is rapidly sinking could also be in jeopardy after the state stopped fighting a lawsuit claiming it could impact local fishing. “In a state Senate hearing earlier this month, the agency said that if the project is halted, almost $1 billion could go to waste.”
FULL STORY: Louisiana’s coast is sinking. Advocates say the governor is undermining efforts to save it.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.

The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.

Trump Approves Futuristic Automated Texas-Mexico Cargo Corridor
The project could remove tens of thousands of commercial trucks from roadways.

Austin's First Single Stair Apartment Building is Officially Underway
Eliminating the requirement for two staircases in multi-story residential buildings lets developers use smaller lots and more flexible designs to create denser housing.

Atlanta Bus System Redesign Will Nearly Triple Access
MARTA's Next Gen Bus Network will retool over 100 bus routes, expand frequent service.
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