The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will open registration on its new online grant system for $23.95 million in 2019 flood disaster funds available to the Louisiana commercial and charter fishing industry under the Equipment Modernization Grant Program.
In coordination with South Central Planning and Development Commission, LDWF will host several public meetings to inform applicants of the registration and application process. Registration and setting up a profile on the online portal is the first phase of the application process and will be available Tuesday, Sept. 5. Submitting an application will be the second phase of the program and will be announced at a later date. Informational meetings to provide details on the application process and eligibility requirements will be held at the following locations:
Lake Charles
Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023 – 1 p.m.
Willis Noland Conference Center – SEED Center
4310 Ryan St., Lake Charles, LA 70601 – 2nd Floor
Abbeville
Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023 – 9 a.m.
LSU AgCenter – Vermillion Office, Meeting Room
1105 W. Port St., Abbeville, LA 70510
Harvey
Monday, Sept. 11, 2023 – 1 p.m.
Jane O’Brien Chatelain Westbank Library
2751 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
Chalmette
Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023 – 9 a.m.
St. Bernard Parish Government Building – Council Chambers
8201 W. Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, LA 70043
Houma
Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023 – 1 p.m.
Dumas Auditorium
301 W. Tunnel Blvd., Houma, LA 70360
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently approved $58 million in federal funding to assist the state’s fishing industry with recovery efforts related to losses caused by catastrophic flooding in 2019 during the openings of the Bonnet Carré Spillway.
LDWF’s Equipment Modernization Grant Program is open to commercial fishermen, vessel owners, seafood docks, processors, and charter captains in the saltwater fishing industry. Eligible applicants may receive up to $30,000 for reimbursement and purchase of updated and modern equipment to remediate impacts resulting from the influx of freshwater flooding.
Equipment reimbursed or purchased under the program must meet the program requirements and must have been purchased on or after Sept. 1, 2019, to be eligible for the program. Applicants who have not previously purchased equipment must have quotes approved before purchasing equipment and submitting receipts. Labor costs associated with reimbursement of equipment is capped at 15 percent of the total cost of the equipment and cannot exceed $4,500.
For details on the Equipment Modernization Grant Program and the application process, click here. Applicants may also contact SCPDC at 800-630-3791 for further assistance.
