Grand Isle, Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island, is home to a tight-knit community, a vibrant tourism economy, and some of the state’s most memorable coastal landscapes. Following the extensive impacts of Hurricane Ida in 2021, CPRA, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and the Town of Grand Isle continue coordinated efforts to restore, fortify, and sustain the island for the people who live, work, and visit.

BEACH AND DUNE RESTORATION (BA-0277)

The Grand Isle Beach and Dune Restoration Project was completed in 2024, connecting the island’s beach dune from end to end, reducing the risk of storm surge and flooding on the island’s infrastructure. The dune was severely damaged and breached across multiple areas during Hurricane Ida in 2021, and the new dune offers increased protection with a hard clay core topped with sand.

GRAND ISLE BACK LEVEE AND OTHER RESILIENCE MEASURES (BA-0253)

Beyond beach and shoreline improvements, CPRA and the Grand Isle Independent Levee District continue to advance bay-side protection measures, including potential levees, pump stations, floodwalls, and floodgate upgrades that reduce tidal flooding and improve interior drainage.

Together, these investments support the long-term resilience of Grand Isle, protecting its year-round residents, sustaining its vital tourism industry, and preserving the unique coastal community that makes the island one of Louisiana’s most cherished destinations.