LAKE CHARLES, LA – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) met today with members of the Chenier Plain Coastal Restoration & Protection Authority and Louisiana’s Coastal Protection & Restoration Authority (CPRA) to discuss funding efforts for the Southwest Coastal Louisiana project, a hurricane and storm surge mitigation endeavor encompassing Calcasieu, Cameron, and Vermilion parishes.
Congressman Higgins secured language in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2018 directing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to prioritize completion of the Southwest Coastal Louisiana project. He also built support within Louisiana’s congressional delegation, having the project included each year in the delegation’s official funding request to the Army Corps of Engineers and the White House’s Office of Management and Budget.
More information on the Southwest Coastal Louisiana project is available here.
Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:
“My office supports the Southwest Coastal Louisiana project and corresponding mitigation efforts. We’ve worked with the federal delegation to prioritize the project, and we will continue to push for its completion. I appreciate the advocacy efforts of the Chenier Plain Coastal Restoration and Protection Authority and CPRA. We’re working together to move this project forward and strengthen our coastal communities.”
CPRA Chairman Chip Kline added:
“On the heels of an unprecedented hurricane season in Southwest Louisiana, there could not be a better time to pursue this funding for coastal restoration and home elevation in Cameron, Calcasieu, and Vermilion parishes. CPRA stands ready to implement these critical projects to increase protection for the residents of this region.”
Ralph Libersat, President of the Chenier Plain Coastal Restoration & Protection Authority, added:
“As President of the Chenier Plain Coastal Restoration & Protection Authority, I am very thankful for Congressman Higgins’ support on this very vital project for Southwest Louisiana. He heard this morning the urgent need for fundings and the complete cooperation from Local, State and Federal stakeholders. This project will put much needed funding in place for structure raising and coastal restoration within our three parishes (Cameron, Calcasieu, and Vermilion) that was devastated by the recent Hurricanes. We look forward to working with Congressman Higgins and his staff.”
