Investigation of an Appraisal and Land Transactions Related to a Federal Grant Awarded to Livingston Parish in Louisiana Through the Coastal Impact Assistance Program

We investigated the circumstances surrounding a land appraisal used to support a Coastal Impact Assistance Program grant awarded to Livingston Parish in Louisiana for the acquisition of 2,367 acres of wetlands. We found that the appraisal, which valued the land at $1,000 per acre, did not meet the required Federal standards, and that the two previous sales of the land were valued at approximately $200 per acre and $258 per acre. Despite the deficient appraisal, we did not identify any criminal activity related to the land transaction. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi declined to prosecute this case.

 

This is a summary of an investigative report that was issued to the Fish and Wildlife Service.