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Boustany Announces $334,540 Grant for Chenier Plain Sustainability Initiative at McNeese University

Jul 30 2008

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr., MD, R-Southwest Louisiana, today announced a $334,540 grant to fund the Chenier Plain Sustainability Initiative to study improved coastal restoration for Southwest Louisiana at McNeese.

“We are running against the clock as each year another hurricane season brings the potential for a devastating new storm like Hurricane Rita,” Boustany said. “I am committed to a long-term solution and funding to rebuild our coastline. It’s critical that we do it right the first time, and that’s what this grant will help ensure.”

 The grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce funds efforts to design and implement a coastal restoration plan.

 Louisiana Environmental Research Center Director Janet Woolman said, “Historically, LERC studies and research efforts have been directed at wetland restoration, ecology, and the environmental effects of oil spills.  Currently, in order to implement Louisiana’s Comprehensive Master Plan for a Sustainable Coast, the focus is shifting to better monitor and research environmental issues and concepts related to wetlands restoration/remediation with a primary emphasis on the Chenier Plain. With Boustany’s support, McNeese is excited about the opportunity to continue the work already underway to conserve Louisiana ecotypes.”

 The Chenier Plain is home to resources essential to national sustainability (e.g. oil and gas exploration, production, and transport, petroleum-chemical industries, shipping, commerce, and renewable natural resources). McNeese is geographically positioned for successful administration of this research and management initiative for the Chenier Plain, which spans from Vermillion Bay to Galveston Bay. Currently there is no large-scale initiative focusing on Louisiana-Texas Chenier Plain sustainability.

 
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