[StBernard] State Launches Program to Rebuild Fisheries Infrastructure

[Westley Annis]

State Launches Program to Rebuild Fisheries Infrastructure

Stakeholders Invited to Submit Proposals 

BATON ROUGE, La. (October 26, 2007) - Yesterday the Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) and the Division of Administration's Office of Community Development (OCD) launched the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Fisheries Infrastructure Program.

"This program is designed to support the recovery of coastal Louisiana's fisheries industry through direct investment in infrastructure projects that will improve the viability and long-term sustainability of the commercial and recreational fisheries," said John T. Landry, Chair of the LRA's Infrastructure Task Force. "I encourage all interested parties to apply." 

The action plan amendment for the $19 million Fisheries Infrastructure Program was approved yesterday by the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget. 

It is estimated that Hurricanes Katrina and Rita destroyed more than $528 million in direct fisheries infrastructure in Louisiana.

The Fisheries Infrastructure Program, which was designed by the LRA with support from OCD, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), LSU Sea Grant, and Louisiana Economic Development (LED), will provide funding for projects that:

*	Enhance and ensure continued access to the state's coastal waters for commercial and recreational fishing, eco-tourism and development of "working waterfronts;" 
*	Create/maintain employment in the commercial and recreational fishing industry; 
*	Preserve the commercial and recreational fishing culture of coastal Louisiana; 
*	Improve the economic efficiency of the fishing industry; and 
*	Create storm harbors that provide vessels with temporary refuge during future storm events. 

"The recreational and commercial fisheries are an important part of Louisiana's economy and culture. This program will at least start the process of ensuring their long-term success." said OCD Executive Director Suzie Elkins. 

The state issued a Request for Proposals from potential applicants, including local and parish governments, port commissions, park commissions, businesses, state agencies, private non-profit organizations, and others that can demonstrate a direct relationship to the fishery. Collaborative efforts and partnerships are encouraged.

Proposals are due December 14, 2007. Late submissions will not be accepted. The RFP is available online at http://lra.louisiana.gov/fisheries.html <http://lra.louisiana.gov/fisheries.html> .

The eligible parishes for this RFP are limited to: Calcasieu, Cameron, Iberia, Jefferson, Lafourche, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, and Vermilion.

The RFP is not designed to provide direct assistance to individual fishermen or businesses. 

Individuals seeking to obtain funds for a single business operation or to repair or buy a single boat, replace lost gear, or fix an individual dock should seek assistance through the Business Recovery Grant and Loan Program being implemented by LED. A second round of this program will commence in early 2008. Businesses interested in Round 2 of the BRGL program should sign up for BizWire at www.louisianaforward.com <http://www.louisianaforward.com>  for program updates.

LDWF is also administering a $41 million program to provide direct assistance for the fisheries industry. LDWF has held public meetings with the industry on its proposed plan and payments are currently planned for the spring of 2008.

For questions or assistance to clarify which program best suits your needs, consult the Frequently Asked Questions document on the LRA website, http://www.lra.louisiana.gov/fisheries.html <http://www.lra.louisiana.gov/fisheries.html>  . Questions can also be e-mailed to Fisheries_Infrastructure at yahoogroups.com <mailto:Fisheries_Infrastructure at yahoogroups.com>  . Applicants can also call 225-342-1717 but are strongly encouraged to use the e-mail address provided.

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated South Louisiana, claiming 1,464 lives, destroying more than 200,000 homes and 18,000 businesses. The Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) is the planning and coordinating body that was created in the aftermath of these storms by Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco to lead one of the most extensive rebuilding efforts in the world. The LRA is a 33-member body which is coordinating across jurisdictions, supporting community recovery and resurgence, ensuring integrity and effectiveness, and planning for the recovery and rebuilding of Louisiana. 

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