| June 16, 2005 - (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator David Vitter announced that $25.3 million in federal funding for coastal restoration projects and for the Houma Navigation Canal were included in the Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, which passed out of the Senate Appropriations Committee today. “I am grateful that my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee were persuaded of the importance of these projects to Louisiana and to the nation,” said Vitter. “The Louisiana Coastal Area Ecosystem Restoration plays a vital role in preserving our vanishing coast.” The bill would give $20 million to the Louisiana Coastal Area (LCA) Ecosystem Restoration study to identify and explore long-range, large-scale ecosystem restoration strategies to restore and protect coastal Louisiana. Twenty parishes in Louisiana’s coastal area from Texas to Mississippi are included in this project. Study features include barrier island restoration, marsh creation and river diversion. Components of this project will develop alternative plans to restore and protect the natural and human environment to create a sustainable ecosystem. This project was not included in the U.S. House of Representatives version of the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill. This bill also includes $5 million for the Morganza to the Gulf hurricane protection study. This area is experiencing high levels of marsh deterioration, saltwater intrusion and flooding. A major component of this study is the Houma Locks, and this funding will provide the resources necessary to continue planning, engineering and design of enhancements for further hurricane protection. The project will protect more than 100,000 people and 1,700 square miles of saline and fresh marshes, farmlands, heavy and light industry, residential and other developed areas. The House Appropriations Bill only included $1 million for this project. The bill also includes $253,000 for dredging and maintenance of the Houma Navigation Canal. The canal is a key component of the regional economy because of its service as a major artery for oil, gas island barge, seafood and recreational industries in southeast Louisiana. “We’re still in the early stages but are off to a great start for securing federal funds for these projects,” Vitter said. “I’ll continue to work with my Senate colleagues to see that this funding is included in the final version of the bill.” The Energy and Water Appropriations Bill is expected to move to the Senate floor for a vote later this year. |
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