WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) announced Wednesday that the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority of Louisiana will receive an additional $9.6 million to protect 21,000 acres of wetlands in Calcasieu Parish.  The additional funding brings the total project award to $25.6 million.

“We are on track to lose our wetlands within 200 years.  That’s two lifetimes,” said Sen. Kennedy.  “This vital project targets the erosion that is occurring in the Calcasieu Ship Channel because of saltwater intrusion from the Gulf of Mexico.  By building barriers, we will preserve habitats for fish and wildlife.”

The money will go toward the Calcasieu River Salinity Control construction project.  The funding comes from fines related to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.