Press releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) announced today that the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works included provisions important to Louisiana families and businesses in the America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018.  This legislation authorizes three feasibility studies for Louisiana projects that would focus on coastal preservation and restoration, improving maritime navigation and reducing hurricane and storm damage risk.  Additionally, this bill calls for expediting seven other projects.

In February, Sen. Kennedy sent a letter to EPW Committee Chairman U.S. Sen. John Barrasso and ranking member U.S. Sen. Thomas Carper emphasizing the importance of Louisiana’s water resource authorizations.  The full text of the letter is attached.

“I would like to thank the Senate EPW Committee for including these key Louisiana projects in this legislation.  The health and maintenance of Louisiana’s coast and canals are vital to not only our coastal economy but also to the everyday lives of the folks who live near the water,” said Sen. Kennedy.   “These projects will help protect Louisianans from future storms and hurricanes.”

Bill Highlights:

  • Authorizes the following feasibility studies
    • Lower Mississippi River, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, and Tennessee
    • Ouachita-Black Rivers Navigation Project
    • Northshore Flood Risk Reduction, Louisiana
  • Baptiste Collette Bayou Study - This section states that the Secretary shall expedite the review for the navigation channel deepening study for Baptiste Collette Bayou.
  • Morganza to the Gulf - This section states that the Secretary shall expedite completion of the project for hurricane and storm damage risk reduction for Morganza to the Gulf.
  •  Louisiana Coastal Area - This section states that the Secretary shall expedite

completion of the project for environmental restoration for Louisiana’s coastal areas.

  • Louisiana Coastal Area-Barataria Basin Barrier - This section states that the Secretary shall expedite completion of the project for environmental restoration for the Louisiana coastal area Barataria Basin Barrier.
  • West Shore Lake Pontchartrain - This section states that the Secretary shall expedite completion of the project for hurricane and storm damage risk reduction for West Shore Lake Pontchartrain.
  • Southwest Coastal Louisiana - This section states that the Secretary shall expedite completion of the project for hurricane and storm damage risk reduction and ecosystem restoration for southwest coastal Louisiana.

 

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