Louisiana Congressmen Cedric Richmond and Steve Scalise issued the following statement on June 19 about the passage of their amendments securing funding for Louisiana coastal restoration projects:
“Today’s success in the House with the passage of key coastal restoration amendments signals success and a step forward for Louisiana,” Rep. Richmond said.
“Securing increased funding from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for future flood protection and sustained waterway maintenance opens the door for a more secure Louisiana. With hurricane season serving as a reminder to rebuild our coast, increased funding and additional resources from these amendments are key to ensuring the safety of Louisiana residents.”
“Working together, Congressman Richmond and I secured critical funding for coastal restoration and dredging projects in Southeast Louisiana, ” added Rep. Scalise.
“By including funding for the Louisiana Coastal Area program, coastal restoration projects that utilize dredged sediment are able to move forward ensuring that this material is used to rebuild our vanishing coast, not just wastefully dumped in the Gulf of Mexico. Additionally, increased funding for dredging ensures that the 500 million tons of cargo in international trade that moves along the Mississippi River will continue to thrive.
“Today’s vote sends a strong message that restoring Louisiana’s coast and maintaining our waterways are funded as national priorities.”