“The Mississippi River created our parish and the many historic ridges of our landscape,” said Plaquemines Parish President Kirk Lepine. “These features protect against storm surge, reduce saltwater intrusion, provide key habitats and also help retain sediment. The marsh west of Venice has been in need of this level of attention for some time, and I know the people and businesses near Venice will appreciate this massive project and this tremendous investment.”
The Oil Pollution Act settlement was part of a 2016 agreement totaling more than $20 billion. It was based partly on the judge’s estimate that the 87-day Deepwater Horizon spill spewed nearly 134 million gallons of crude into the Gulf — enough to fill the U.S. Capitol rotunda 13 times.
Federal experts estimated the total at more than 176 million gallons, while BP estimated 102 million gallons.
Edwards said the latest projects make up the fifth major restoration plan approved this year by trustees for Louisiana’s share of the $8.8 billion.
