The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will soon begin registration on its new online grant system for $23.95 million in funding that will be available to the Louisiana commercial and charter fishing industry under the Equipment Modernization Grant Program.

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.

In order to allow sufficient time for applicants to apply for the grant program, the application process will be divided into two phases. During the first phase, applicants will be required to register using the online grant portal and complete an online profile with personal, business, and LDWF license information. Applications will be submitted during the second phase. Dates for both phases will be announced at a later date.  

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.  Informational meetings will be held at the following locations:

 

LAKE CHARLES

 Wednesday, September 6, 2023 – 1:00PM

Willis Noland Conference Center – SEED Center

4310 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601 – 2nd Floor

 

ABBEVILLE

Thursday, September 7, 2023 – 9:00AM

LSU AgCenter – Vermillion Office, Meeting Room

1105 West Port Street, Abbeville, LA 70510

 

HARVEY

Monday, September 11, 2023 – 1:00PM

Jane O’Brien Chatelain Westbank Library

2751 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058

 

CHALMETTE

Tuesday, September 12, 2023 – 9:00AM

St. Bernard Parish Government Building – Council Chambers

8201 W. Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette, LA 70043

 

HOUMA

Wednesday, September 13, 2023 – 1:00PM

Dumas Auditorium

301 W. Tunnel Blvd., Houma LA 70360

For further information on meetings please contact SCPDC at 1-800-630-3791.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources.  Help us protect your hunting and fishing heritage while preserving habitat, wildlife, and aquatic resources by purchasing your license at www.wlf.la.gov. To receive email or text alerts signup here.