NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A study commissioned by an environmental group says funding the state’s multibillion-dollar, 50-year master plan for coastal protection and restoration would create anywhere from about 100,000-200,000 permanent jobs, spurring the economy with billions in project spending.

The study by economist Timothy Ryan — former president of the University of New Orleans — was commissioned by Restore Louisiana Now. That group was formed to support a lawsuit against oil, gas and pipeline companies filed by the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East. The suit, which does not specify a dollar amount, says the companies should pay for damage the industry has done to coastal wetlands that serve as a natural hurricane buffer for New Orleans.