After years of attempts to rid Southeastern Louisiana of the Mississippi River Gulf
Outlet, the end is in sight. Louisiana’s two senators are responsible for
the victory. Both worked to add language to an appropriations bill that would
de-authorize the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet to deep-draft vessel traffic.
The
final appropriations language directs
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to develop a plan to close the MRGO,
ending it's legacy of destroying wetlands and threatening the New
Orleans area. While we will continue to watchdog the planning
process and ensure the closure plan protects people and restores
wetlands, this was a critical first step.
Take a moment to thank Senator Landrieu and Senator Vitter for their work on this important issue for Louisiana's recovery.
>>Amendment Facts
Offered by Senators Vitter (R-LA), Landrieu (D-LA), Inhofe (R-OK) and Jeffords (I-VT)
The closure plan for MRGO is part of a broader amendment.
The Corps is provided $3.5 million to develop a plan for closure of the MRGO in six months.
- This plan will need to go back to the Senate Environment and Public Works committee and House Transportation & Infrastructure committee for sign-off. (Does not need a law passed but both committees would have to pass a resolution that endorses that interim plan.);
- The plan would be crafted in consultation with the National Academy of Science, St. Bernard officials, other federal agencies (Environmental Protection Agency, Dept. Of Commerce, Dept. Of Interior) and the State of Louisiana;
- Input on the plan will be sought from public and scientific community;
- The plan will be independently reviewed by the National Academy of Science.
- The MRGO closure plan will:
- De-authorize deep draft navigation at a minimum and will recommend if any navigation should be supported on MRGO;
- Provide measures for protection from hurricanes and storms;
- Prevent salt water intrusion;
- Re-establish the storm buffering properties and ecological integrity of wetlands lost due to construction and operation of MRGO;
- Complement overall restoration of coastal Louisiana.
A final plan will be submitted for closure funding by
December 2007.
