Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards yesterday sent a letter to President Donald Trump detailing a list of high priority coastal protection infrastructure projects to be considered under the president’s executive order, Expediting Environmental Reviews and Approvals for High Priority Infrastructure Projects.
Governor Edwards has proposed that the following five integrated coastal protection infrastructure projects for high priority status be given serious consideration: Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion, Mid-Breton Sediment Diversion, Houma Navigation Canal Lock Complex, Calcasieu Salinity Control Measures and River Reintroduction to Maurepas Swamp.
They have each been subjected to rigorous scientific modeling, screening and evaluation procedures, according to the governor’s announcement.
While much of the needed funding is in place, the permitting and environmental review process remains the last significant hurdle to implementing these projects.
All of the projects are in accordance with the president’s executive order to create jobs and provide a strong foundation for economic growth, the release said.
The five top priority coastal protection projects include: