This Week in Louisiana Politics: Mid-Barataria Diversion Project, proposed tax increase in Zachary

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser praised the cancellation of the Mid-Barataria Diversion Project, highlighting its flaws and the financial burden it posed on taxpayers.

Governor Jeff Landry announced the project’s cancellation last week, citing its excessive cost and potential harm to Louisiana’s seafood industry. The project aimed to combat coastal erosion by reconnecting the Mississippi River to its wetlands.

The Mid-Barataria Diversion Project was initially funded by BP as part of a settlement over the Deepwater Horizon disaster. It was designed to build up land on Louisiana’s coast to fight erosion.

Plaquemines Parish celebrated the cancellation, with the chairman of the state’s Oyster Task Force arguing that the project would have damaged the fishing industry in Plaquemines, Jefferson, and Lafourche Parishes.

Supporters of the project criticized its cancellation, arguing that it was still needed to address Louisiana’s severe land loss on the coast.

In Zachary, a proposed property tax increase has sparked controversy. Council member John LeBlanc opposes the tax increase, reporting threats of political retaliation if he did not support rolling the millage forward.

City Attorney John Hopewell is accused of pressuring council members to back the tax increase, which is intended to fund city operations.

Council member Ambre DeVirgilio stood with LeBlanc, emphasizing the financial strain on families amid inflation and rising costs.

This and more on Your Local Election Headquarters.

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