Future uncertain for Louisiana's massive coastal restoration project

Catch up quick: The Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project would build up to 21 square miles of wetlands over 50 years, according to Mark Schleifstein at NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune.

• It would do that by introducing freshwater and sediment from the Mississippi River into the Barataria Basin in Plaquemines Parish, according to the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority.
• The $2.92 billion project is being paid for with BP oil spill fines and settlement money, Schleifstein writes.

Friction point: Plaquemines Parish forced work to stop several weeks ago amid pushback from fishermen who say the project will devastate their livelihood, reports John Snell with Fox 8.

Driving the news: CPRA leaders told a state Senate committee meeting Wednesday they are working with parish leaders to find a solution.

• If the project gets canceled, the state could have to pay up to $500 million in damages to subcontractors, Schleifstein writes.
• And, CPRA would lose the $422.23 million it's already spent.

Go deeper for the full story from NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune