Scalise, Graves Announce Forward Motion for the Morganza-to-the-Gulf Hurricane Protection System

WASHINGTON, D.C.—House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) and Congressman Garret Graves (R-La.) announced today that an important hurdle has been cleared to advance the Morganza-to-the-Gulf Hurricane Protection System. At their urging, $1.25 million in federal funds will be reallocated to revise the Morganza-to-the-Gulf Hurricane Protection project designs to reflect the construction progress and substantial cost savings. These funds will be used to help update the project from an unaffordable $14 billion to more realistic figures.

"After years of facing bureaucratic red tape, today's announcement on Morganza-to-the-Gulf by the Trump Administration is a major step in the right direction to provide flood protection for thousands of families and businesses in southeast Louisiana," said Whip Scalise."I recently met with Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, R.D. James, to advocate for additional resources for Morganza-to-the-Gulf and I'm glad this is moving forward after years of delays. Morganza-to-the-Gulf will considerably strengthen our communities in southeast Louisiana, as well as protect the billions of dollars in economic activity transported through this region that provide invaluable energy resources to fuel our country. This is a top priority of mine, and I will continue fighting to secure additional funding for this vital flood protection project."

"Since 1992, the Corps of Engineers has spent $80 million studying this project without putting a shovel in the ground,"said Graves."After some prodding, the Corps has agreed to recognize the excessive cost of the ‘old project' as well as the incredible progress that the Terrebonne Levee and Conservation District and the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority have made in building the Morganza-to-the-Gulf Hurricane Protection project. These new funds will allow for updated, more efficient designs that put us much closer to getting even more federal funding for hurricane and flood protection in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes. This is a new direction and innovation out of the Corps that hasn't been seen in decades. Thanks to Secretary James, Gen. Semonite, Gen. Toy, Col. Murphy and the Trump Administration for their leadership and willingness to focus on solutions."