Cancellation of Mid-Barataria Diversion project could cost Louisiana at least $700 million

Fox 8 Article

Oyster mafia, Nungesser, and Gordy Dove stacked; CPRA and the upper-mid Barataria basin fricked.

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The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority told senators it has already spent $422 million on the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion through planning, engineer and early construction.

Senators also suggested contracts with the main construction firms, Archer Western and Alberici, and sub-contractors could leave the state liable for between $250 million and $500 million.

“That’s a billion dollars, or $700 million, or whatever, right there, without the economic benefit of the project happening,” said state Sen. Gary Carter Jr., D-Algiers.

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Work on the $2.9 billion project came to a screeching halt weeks ago when Plaquemines Parish government issued a stop work order.

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Funding for the diversion comes from fines and settlements stemming from the 2010 BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Dove conceded it is not clear at this point whether the state would have to pay back the $422 million to the boards that administer those funds.

Senator Pat Connick, R-Marrero, pleaded for urgency in solving the issue.

“We’re gonna lose this money,” Connick warned. “All this money’s gonna go to damages, breach of contract and the citizens of the state are going to get nothing.”

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Dove, a former Terrebonne Parish President, said he is reluctant to force a project down the throat of a parish government that does not want it.

“Being a past parish president, I believe it’s up to the parish to be satisfied.”

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