Scalise Lauds Treasury Rule Allowing Gulf States to Apply for RESTORE Act Funds
METAIRIE, LA - U.S. Representative Steve Scalise (LA-01) released the following statement regarding the U.S. Treasury Department’s Interim Final Rule on the Resources and Ecosystem Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coastal States (RESTORE) Act. The rule allows for Gulf Coast states, including Louisiana, to begin applying for grants from the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund for the purpose of environmental restoration and economic development projects.
"This announcement is a victory and big step forward for the people of Louisiana,” said Scalise. “The economy, culture and heritage of our great state are shaped and influenced by our unique coastline and wetlands. As many families and businesses continue to struggle in the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon spill, the RESTORE Act stands as the single most significant action taken to revitalize our coastline. This rule finally enables much-needed funds to start flowing to our coastal communities as they continue to recover.”
Scalise championed the RESTORE Act through the House of Representatives in 2011. Specifically, the RESTORE Act directs 80 percent of BP Clean Water Act fines to Gulf Coast states still struggling with the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon spill for the purposes of ecosystem and economic recovery. Earlier this year, Scalise along with U.S. Senator David Vitter (R-LA) and U.S. Rep. Bill Cassidy (LA-06) sent a letter to the Treasury Department urging the agency to expedite the rule-making process so that funds could more quickly be disbursed.