General DNR News

Oystermen in State's Relocation Plan Receive Checks, so far $2 million Paid

Oyster leaseholders participating in the state's voluntary Oyster Relocation Program have received payments totaling $2 million so far, state officials announced today. Louisiana Department of Natural Resources officials say that by the end of September, there will be another $2.5 million in payments to leaseholders affected by the construction of the Davis Pond Freshwater Diversion project.

DNR Secretary Jack Caldwell said that it took a special act of Congress to approve the state's voluntary oyster relocation program. Additionally, the Foster administration sought state legislation to develop a plan and authorize up to $7.5 million to be used to pay for the cost of moving oysters beds that would be impacted with building the Davis Pond coastal restoration project. The state has a twenty-five percent cost-share obligation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the projected $106 million Davis Pond project. This freshwater diversion project located in St. Charles parish near Luling is nearing completion and is expected to open in October of this year, officials report.

Sixty-two oyster leaseholders agreed in February to the program option of a one-time purchase for their leases. Two leaseholders have selected the relocation option including payment and new leases to plant seed oysters. Once the Davis Pond Impact Area was determined and affected oyster leases were identified, DNR proceeded to send letters to leaseholders explaining the program, how reasonable and allowable costs would be assessed, and other possible options. According to Cheryl Brodnax and Phil Pittman of DNR's Coastal Restoration Division, there was 100 percent participation in the program from that point. " The buyout amount was calculated by estimating the cost of purchase and placement of cultch material on a replacement lease," Pittman said.

DNR began issuing the checks on Wednesday and continued today. The amount of the payments ranged from $300,000 to $400. Brodnax said that some lessees were not paid at this time but within the next 30 to 60 days she expects an additional $2.5 million to be approved and paid in the buyout plan.

Secretary Caldwell offered his congratulations to his department staff as well as the oystermen for the smooth and effective manner in which the program has proceeded over the course of a few months.

Editors: For more information, please contact DNR Public Information Officer Phyllis F. Darensbourg at 225-342-8955