Diversity key with coastal jobs

Sluggish marine industries need some jolts
May 24, 2016
Bells toll for long-time first responder’s end of watch
May 24, 2016
Sluggish marine industries need some jolts
May 24, 2016
Bells toll for long-time first responder’s end of watch
May 24, 2016

Billions of dollars will soon flow into the local economy – cash that will be used to fix Louisiana’s rapidly disappearing coast.


Local businesses are in line to profit – assuming they’re willing to diversify and embrace the change.

Local non-profit Restore or Retreat hosted a workshop Thursday at Nicholls State University – a multi-faceted event that detailed what’s about to take place while also giving business leaders instruction on how they can cash in.

“We wanted to get everyone together and discuss some of the things that will be happening and how they can be beneficial to everyone in the room,” Restore or Retreat Executive Director Simone Maloz said. “It’s an exciting time. A lot of the things we’ve been waiting on are happening. A lot of opportunities are going to be present for us all to work together to make this happen.”


The focus of the eight-hour workshop was on restoration – especially in terms of the changes in terms of funding and future projects.

The workshop detailed Louisiana’s Annual Plan and 2017 Master Plan, breaking down some of the BP money Louisiana is owed, while discussing projects that will begin once the cash is in-hand.

South Lafourche Levee District General Manager Windell Curole and Terrebonne Director of Levees Reggie Dupre discussed the progresses each parish has made, both touting how far along the area has come in protection over the past 20 years.


“It’s been remarkable to see,” he said.

Also giving updates were Ben Malbrough with the Bayou Lafourche Freshwater District, Amanda Voisin with Lafourche Parish Government and Mart Black with Terrebonne Parish Coastal Restoration and Protection.

Black said he was pleased with the event’s turnout, saying it’s a testament to the people of Louisiana and their ability to work together to get things done.


Black said several projects in Lafourche and Terrebonne where community togetherness allowed the project to get finished.

“What’s so impressive to me is the amount of collaboration that has to take place for these things to get done,” he said. “So many people have to come together and work together. Obstacles are always present, but we always do the work necessary. That’s not going to change.”

After being given updates, the focus of the workshop shifted to how businesses can help.


Scott Kilpatrick with the Coast Builders Coalition hosted a 45-minute panel detailing the quickly-emerging water management sector – an industry that is continuing to gain power as money becomes available.

Kilpatrick said the industry used to do about $100 million of work each year before Hurricane Katrina.

Since then, it’s grown tenfold.


“Now, there’s $1 billion a year that’s on the books and gets done,” he said. “Some of it is erosion protection work. But a lot of it is restoration. That’s where a lot of the focus lies.”

So obviously with something as massive as $1 billion in projects, lots of companies and laborers will be needed to get the job done.

That’s where Maloz said the local economy will soon be changing – a much-needed breath of fresh air with the current downturn in the oil and gas industry.


Maloz said the water management sector will be huge locally – an emerging job creator that requires the same type of laborer as the oil and gas industry.

Throughout Kilpatrick’s round-table, water management industry leaders urged the local businesses to consider diversifying their efforts to get in on the act.

“We can take the lead on this,” said Winship Songy with Delta Land Services. “We can import and export our talent and move it to other places and become the leader in this. There are opportunities for us all to benefit.”


“Now is the time to innovate,” added Chuck Broussard with Weeks Marine. “Now is the time to do that. We can’t wait any longer.”

Kilpatrick said several businesses currently doing restoration work have oil-and-gas roots. He said a lot of the equipment needed is similar in both industries, which makes for a seamless transition.

“It’s fun to see how companies have adjusted and how new opportunities have become present,” Kilpatrick said.


“It’s very similar,” said Mitch Andrus with Royal Engineering. “The growth is excellent. I think this is a great chance. We encourage people to explore this and see what it can have to offer your business.” •

Coastal restoration