Friday, May 17 2013 9:05 PM EDT2013-05-18 01:05:04 GMT
The Southwest Louisiana Tea Party movement began picking up steam in 2009 as members from throughout the five parish area began gathering for rallies and becoming more visible and involved in local governmentMore >>
The Southwest Louisiana Tea Party movement began picking up steam in 2009 as members from throughout the five-parish area began gathering for rallies and becoming more visible and involved in local government and the political scene.More >>
Friday, May 17 2013 8:55 PM EDT2013-05-18 00:55:58 GMT
An arrest has been made in the 1962 death of Mary Horton Vail. Vail was found dead in the Calcasieu River in October 1962, her husband, Felix Vail, claimed she was the victim of a boating accident. TheMore >>
Mary Horton Vail was found dead in the Calcasieu River in October 1962. Her husband, Felix Vail, claimed she was the victim of a boating accident.More >>
Friday, May 17 2013 6:17 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:17:04 GMT
Friday marks the anniversary of the first woman reported missing in the Jeff Davis Eight case. On May 17, 2005, 28-year-old Loretta Chaisson Lewis went missing. Three days later, her body was found floatingMore >>
Friday marks the anniversary of the first woman reported missing in the Jeff Davis Eight case.More >>
Friday, May 17 2013 5:47 PM EDT2013-05-17 21:47:38 GMT
More than 825 students - the largest graduating class in McNeese State University history - are expected to receive degrees at the university's spring commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 18,More >>
More than 825 students - the largest graduating class in McNeese State University history - are expected to receive degrees at the university's spring commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday at Burton Coliseum.More >>
Friday, May 17 2013 5:44 PM EDT2013-05-17 21:44:31 GMT
In an area prone to hurricanes, flood insurance is important for Louisiana residents. Calcasieu Parish became a part of the National Flood Insurance program in 1978. By participating in the program,More >>
As a way to continue offering flood insurance, Congress passed the Biggert Waters Act in 2012. More >>
Local News, Weather, Traffic, Sports, Stocks, Movies on your Cell PhoneMore >>
Get local news, weather, sports, and video on your mobile device.More >>
LAKE CHARLES, LA (KPLC) -
Louisiana's Coastal Zone Boundaries have changed to include more land. The state's new coastal zone boundaries became effective on June 7th after Governor Bobby Jindal signed Act 588 into law.
It's the first time they've been changed since the early 80s and now include an additional 1,887 square miles. Eight parishes saw increases, including Calcasieu and Cameron parishes. In Calcasieu it was about a 10 percent increase to the southern part of the parish.
The new guidelines were determined by studies and information providing storm surge, geology and elevation just to name a few of the factors. While it aims to reduce erosion and protect wetlands the new boundaries also look to stay in line with the state's Master Coastal Plan.
The biggest change for some areas will be the permitting process for certain projects. David Fruge with the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources and Coastal Management explains.
"For some types of building construction it will require building construction other things are exempt. Things like oil and gas projects, canals, board roads, pipelines and stuff. Those things will require permits. Industrial activities and industrial construction types of things will all require permits," said Fruge.
Officials understand this is a transition period for the public and encourage them to contact them for more information. To learn more about the coastal zone boundaries and what it means to you click here.
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