Coastal Impact Assistance Program (CIAP)

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 established the Coastal Impact Assistance Program (CIAP) which authorizes funds to be distributed to Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) oil and gas producing States for one or more of the following purposes:

• projects and activities for the conservation, protection, or restoration of coastal areas
• mitigation of damage to fish, wildlife, or natural resources
• planning assistance and administrative costs
• implementation of a federally-approved marine, coastal, or comprehensive management plan
• mitigation of the impact of OCS activities through funding of onshore infrastructure projects in addition to public service needs

Each eligible state was allocated its share based on the State's Qualified Outer Continental Shelf Revenue (QOCSR) generated off of its coast in proportion to the total QOCSR generated off the coasts of all eligible states.

State plans were developed in consultation with eligible Parishes, who provided to each state its local needs and proposals for projects. The projects were approved by the Minerals Management Service (now Bureau of Energy Management, Regulation & Enforcement), and grant structures were set in place to dispense funding.

Terrebonne was directly awarded approximately $13 million, dedicating $6 million to the "Falgout Canal Freshwater Enhancement" project, and the remaining $7 million to supplement the State's $33 million for the West Caminada Headland Beach/Dune Restoration.