HOUMA, LA (AP) — State and local officials have outlined a proposal to assist in the elevation of homes and relocation of communities in the event of future coastal flooding.
Under the program, created by the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, homes and other buildings that face flood risks of 14 feet or more would be relocated, while homes dealing with 3- to 14-foot flooding would be elevated, The Courier’s Jacob Batte reported.
On Wednesday, state officials said that if nothing is done over the next 25 years, parts of Houma could face more than 16 feet of flooding if a Hurricane Katrina-like storm were to hit Terrebonne Parish.
CPRA strategic planning deputy chief Karim Belhadjali said that the program, which is being included in the Louisiana's $50 billion Coastal Master Plan, is still in the development stages. The program will identify sources of funding, working with local agencies and providing community outreach.
Some residents said that there should be more input from the public as officials work to develop the program.
"All we ask is that we are allowed to be at that table. If we're not, we'll be on the table," said Houma Nation Chief Thomas Dardar. "We live here. We know what's changing around us."
Another challenge is finding the money to pay for the projects. Belhadjali said state officials have identified possible revenue opportunities but nothing firm.
