Today, Governor Bobby Jindal announced a commitment of more than $7 million in federal stimulus funds for coastal restoration efforts in Plaquemines and Jefferson Parishes. The funds were provided by a grant program through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In the past, Governor had rejected certain stimulus funds and was the Republican "face" in opposition to President Obama's program.
Below is the balance of the press release from Governor Jindal's office:
NOAAapproved the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority’s (CPRA) proposal for $3.025 million for the Mississippi River Sediment Delivery System at Bayou Dupont. The project was originally designed to build nearly 500 acres of marsh by pumping sediment from the Mississippi River for five miles via pipeline to a marsh restoration site in the BaratariaBasin southeast of the town of Lafitte. The additional $3.025 million will allow the project to expand by more than 50 acres.
Governor Jindal said, “These funds will enable us to expand a groundbreaking coastal restoration project to restore over 550 acres of marsh. This project is a critical step towards using more dredged material from our own soil – and it represents our understanding of the importance of beneficially using this sediment to rebuild our coasts.”
The Bayou Dupont Project breaks new ground for coastal restoration in Louisiana because it is the first time sediments from the Mississippi River have been transported through a pipeline to build wetlands outside the river's levees.
The stimulus funds will be added to the $28.3 million in state and federal funds from the Coastal Wetlands Planning Protection and Restoration Act (CWPPRA) already committed to the project.
In total, the pipeline will now transport approximately 3 million cubic yards of sediment from the Mississippi River to complete the project. After all the material is transported, native vegetation will be planted on the new marsh. A portion of the pipeline infrastructure will remain in place after the project is complete so that it can be used again to build future projects. The area of the river where the sediments will be dredged was picked specifically because it will fill up with sediments again.
NOAAalso approved $4 million for the Nature Conservancy, a project that will build more than five acres of bioengineered oyster reefs to protect vulnerable shorelines in the Grand Isle areaand in parts of St. Bernard Parish.
These projects are designed to provide four miles of shoreline protection in areas of rapid erosion. This project will utilize protection structures to buffer these fragile coastal areas from wave action while improving fish habitat and water quality.
Dr. Keith Ouchley, State Director of the Nature Conservancy said, “We are very excited about this project being one of two Louisiana projects selected by NOAA for American Relief and Recovery Act funding. We believe that our oyster reef restoration and shoreline stabilization projects will help to protect our coastal resources and contribute to the state’s economy.”
Yes, it is a slippery slope when we start down the rabbit hole there QSS.... Not looking forward to the new reality, but then again, I have sort of been in preperation for it for the past 6 years... I suppose it all depends on a person's outlook on life.... ehhh, I dunno.................. Written by
on 7/6/2009
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
Oh, they know how to "make money" - funny money made out of thin air. Since October of last year this nation has seen an increase of the money supply by 70%. The previous record increase in money "created" by the Fed was 16.9% in 1986. This doesn't count the deficit spending being covered by China, et. al. with Treasury Bill purchases. We could be looking at an increase of 300 to 400% additional money "created" in the next three or four years. The money you have saved - or the fixed income you are relying upon - will be worth corresponding less. Don't worry, there will be government programs to help you in your struggle to pay for the necessities your devalued money can no longer purchase. Long ago, "additional money" meant humans toiled and risked capital to dig gold or silver out of the earth. We are so much wiser now - snap! - presto bingo! - voila! - there it is, newly created money. Uh ... ignore those depression things .. ignore the fact that our money has been devalued to 3 or 4 % of what it was a hundred years ago - stuff like that - is not important. Written by que sera sera
on 7/1/2009
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
But if you wanted it at cost it would probably equate out to around 800 acres for 4 million bucks and it would also bring in about 48 million dollars worth of oyster product annually within 5 years to the oyster harvesting segment on an annual basis if the reefs were kept in proper condition..... Yeah, throw that money around.... Like you really know how to spend it or make it in the first place.... Written by
on 7/1/2009
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
Bio-engineered oyster reefs? 4 million bucks to build 5 acres of it? The slight of hand you are witnessing is choking....... For 4 million bucks I could provide over 40 acres and the next year provide an additonal 100 acres for 3 million more. Wut a bunch of putzes... Written by
on 7/1/2009
REPORT SPAM OR ABUSE
