"One Lake" Must Undergo Thorough Environmental Impact Review

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congressman Steve Scalise (LA-01) and State Sen. Sharon Hewitt (Slidell) made the following statements about Congress's final negotiated water resources legislation, S. 3021, America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, and a specific provision that calls for a thorough environmental impact review of the "One Lake" Pearl River dam project before construction begins.

“Today, the House is taking up strong, bipartisan legislation that will improve flood protection and water infrastructure that will further protect Louisiana families and communities, and included in this bill is a provision that reaffirms Louisiana’s protections with regard to the controversial 'One Lake' project under consideration in Mississippi," said Congressman Scalise. "After hearing concerns from constituents, local officials and State Senator Sharon Hewitt who has been a leader on this issue, I fought to include this language that will ensure that any impact to the Lower Pearl River is addressed before this project can move forward. Before this project is allowed to move forward, we need to know that it will not decrease the water flow downriver, impact our coastal restoration efforts, or result in additional flooding in areas downriver from the proposed project. In Southeast Louisiana, our unique landscape, created in part by the Pearl River system, is essential to our way of life, culture and economy, and I’ll continue fighting to ensure that this landscape and our coastal restoration efforts are not undermined.”

“I am extremely grateful for Congressman Scalise’s leadership to ensure that Federal legislation is in place to protect the Lower Pearl River from any adverse affects from the One Lake Project. On behalf of the concerned constituents that we both represent, thank you for fighting for our River!"said State Sen. Hewitt.