In the wake of devastation left by Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana in 2005, Halcrow played a significant role in helping the battered US state shore up its coastline against future threat.
Halcrow was drafted in to help Louisiana’s new coastal protection and restoration authority (CPRA) develop a comprehensive master plan for long-term integrated coastal protection and wetland restoration in the area.
The CPRA, set up by the Louisiana Legislature, had identified the UK strategic coastal planning system as the best model to follow. It appointed Halcrow as a recognised expert on the UK system to help develop a bespoke methodology for the master plan’s development and implementation.
As a sub-consultant, Halcrow developed procedural papers and long-term strategic plans to help the client clarify the aims and goals of the master plan, as well as its delivery approach.
The team provided a set of clear steps for the client to develop the master plan and guided the project team in defining the tasks and schedule required to meet project deadlines.
A critical part of the task was providing a transparent and logical decision-making process for selecting and evaluating both coast protection and wetland restoration projects. The resulting multi-criteria approach considers the achievement of defined objectives, together with other characteristics such as cost-effectiveness and uncertainty.
The decision making process also allows the client to prioritise and sequence the measures recommended in the master plan. A related adaptive management process for the ongoing long-term implementation and review of the plan was also developed.
CPRA project director Jon Porthouse said: “This project integrated hurricane protection and ecosystem restoration in a way that had not been previously accomplished. Halcrow's previous experience in the UK, creativity and ability to adapt was central to our success in creating the first plan of its kind in Louisiana.”