Louisiana Watershed Initiative
After the 2016 floods, the state launched the Louisiana Watershed Initiative, a new watershed-based approach to reduce flood risk in Louisiana. LWI coordinates funding, data and resources among state agencies, guided by the following:
Scientific tools and data
Transparent, objective decision-making
Natural functions of watersheds
Regional, watershed-based flood risk management
LWI was launched in 2018 and initially funded through a $1.2 billion Community Development Block Grant - Mitigation grant allocated to the state following the 2016 floods. The main goals of the initiative are to fund flood risk reduction projects, establish regional watershed management, develop scientific watershed models and data and support workforce development for flood resilience efforts.
Reporting Highlights
Awarded $900 Million
to 127 flood risk reduction projects throughout the state
Established Nine Provisional Watershed Regions
with steering committees guiding watershed-based flood risk management efforts among parishes and municipalities
Developed Watershed Models
for each major watershed in Louisiana to assess flood scenarios and solutions
Enhanced the statewide river and rain gauge network by adding gauges at
100 Sites Throughout the State
Supported Training and Jobs Focused on Flood Resilience
by launching the Nature-Based Solutions Training Program and Pro Louisiana Workforce Development Program
Initiated the Statewide Buyout Program
to offer buyouts and relocation incentives for property owners in seven flood-prone areas throughout the state
Programs
Local and Regional Projects and Programs
Regional Capacity Building Grant Program
Statewide Data and Modeling Program
State Projects and Programs
Statewide Buyout Program
Nature-Based Solutions Program
Non-Federal Cost Share Assistance
PRO Louisiana Workforce Development Program
Project Types