The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) 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 (SCPDC), 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, September 5. Submitting an application will be the 2nd 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, September 6, 2023 – 1:00 PM
- Willis Noland Conference Center – SEED Center
- 4310 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601 – 2nd Floor
ABBEVILLE
- Thursday, September 7, 2023 – 9:00 AM
- LSU AgCenter – Vermillion Office, Meeting Room
- 1105 West Port Street, Abbeville, LA 70510
HARVEY
- Monday, September 11, 2023 – 1:00 PM
- Jane O’Brien Chatelain Westbank Library
- 2751 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
CHALMETTE
- Tuesday, September 12, 2023 – 9:00 AM
- St. Bernard Parish Government Building – Council Chambers
- 8201 W. Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette, LA 70043
HOUMA
- Wednesday, September 13, 2023 – 1:00 PM
- Dumas Auditorium
- 301 W. Tunnel Blvd., Houma LA 70360
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 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 September 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% of the total cost of the equipment and cannot exceed $4,500.
For details on the Equipment Modernization Grant Program and the application process, please visit https://www.wlf.
