$9.5M in state funds slated for St. Mary

Some $9.5 million in state funds are headed to St. Mary Parish from the state. The funds came from the BP oil spill settlement.
State Rep. Sam Jones, Dist. 50, announced that he and Sen. Bret Allain, Dist. 21, have secured funds for the following:
—Improvements to Grand Avoille Cove Boat Launch: $247,426
Construction of a new concrete boat ramp and apron, as well as installation of mooring docks, improvements to parking areas.
—Atchafalaya Delta Wildlife Management Area, Access Project: $920,450
Improve boating access to recreational areas by dredging waterways.
—Atchafalaya Delta Wildlife Management Area Campground improvements: $3,248,000
Installation of rock jetties, bulkhead and boat dog, campground repairs and improvements
—Chitimacha Boat Launch: $650,000
Construction of a new boat launch, parking area, pavilion and trails
—Cypremort Point State Park: $4,447,338
Reinforcement of rock jetties, replacement of breakwater system, beach reclamation activities, replace fishing pier, improvements to road and parking areas.
“These are the projects I’ve working for a number of years,” Jones said. “This is a big win for St. Mary Parish. This is a major effort to keep us really strong as a Sportsman’s Paradise, but also considering the improvements to our parks as a center attraction to tourists, especially Cypremort Point.”
Funding for the Atchafalaya Delta Wildlife Management Area Campground Improvements and Access Project will upgrade facilities at the mouth of the Atchafalaya River.
"It's going to be a better place for people to be able to go and camp and tie up their boats," Jones said. "It's real big upgrade for down there."
Jones said funding is “a big win for the Atchafalaya Delta as well as Chitimacha Tribal government and the Charenton area.”
St. Mary Parish funds are second only to Jefferson Parish, Jones added, and all are in Dist. 50.
The dollars come from billions in settlement money tied to damages caused by the massive 2010 BP PLC oil spill. Gov. John Bel Edwards said the 23-item list released Tuesday, approved by state and federal officials, will use the full amount required for spending on coastal recreational projects.
Construction on some projects will begin this summer, while Edwards administration officials said others require more engineering and design time before building can start.
State parks and wildlife management areas along the coast will see renovations to cabins, playgrounds and bathrooms, new fishing piers and docks and other upgrades. The state also will enhance its artificial reef sites.
Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser said the improvements to state park facilities will help attract more tourists to the state, and Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet said the projects will boost fishing and boating opportunities for local residents as well.
All nine of Louisiana’s coastal parishes will receive a share of the money, with specific projects earmarked in each one.
Jefferson Parish is receiving the largest portion, with projects there receiving more than $18 million for kayak launches, fishing piers, trails, floating docks, wetlands exhibits and more improvements at parks and other facilities.
Projects in Terrebonne parish will split $8 million. In Lake Charles, $7 million will be spent for a visitor’s center, youth fishing pond and exhibits at science center.
Edwards’ chief coastal adviser, Johnny Bradberry, said the process for selecting and approving the project list took two years, with more than $1 billion in proposals submitted for consideration.