Governor John Bel Edwards has announced funding for 23 coastal recreation projects. The $60 million being used to fund the projects comes from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement. Edwards says the projects are a welcomed addition to Sportsman’s Paradise.

“These projects span the entire coastal area from St. Bernard parish to Cameron parish providing an enhancement in recreational opportunities for all of our coastal citizens and visitors,” said Edwards.

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says he’s pleased the state’s recreational losses were not forgotten. He echoed Edwards’s sentiments, saying the projects will be beneficial to those with or without a boat.

“The extension of the fishing pier in Grand Isle, all the boat facilities throughout LDWF will really help us attract people to Louisiana, because as I like to say, you can fish anywhere, but you catch fish in Louisiana.”

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet says the money will go towards new and improved boat ramps and mooring docks, new fishiing piers and making Elmer's Island even more accessible.

“It also includes six million dollars for 11 artificial reefs spots that will enhanced across Louisiana’s coast, from Lake Ponchartrain, to Vermilion Bay and others,” said Montoucet.

The governor's office says potential projects were solicited by the Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group and then vetted through months of public input and hearings.

More From News Talk 96.5 KPEL