Joint Statement From The America's Wetland Foundation And The Restore The Mississippi River Delta Coalition

The America's WETLAND Foundation and members of the Restore the Mississippi River Delta Coalition express support for the resolution presented recently at the CPRA that formalizes the LA1 Coalition's intent to pursue GOMESA funding for the elevation of the remaining portion of the highway to Port Fourchon.

The elevation of LA 1 is critical to our state and nation for continued economic vitality, energy security, and community resiliency and we join with the LA1 Coalition in pursuit of adequate funding for this project.

We acknowledge that this project is eligible for GOMESA funding for coastal infrastructure as established in federal and state law that would allow for up to 10% of GOMESA revenues to be spent on coastal infrastructure projects that provide for the overall resiliency of coastal Louisiana with a focus on projects directly impacted by coastal wetland loss.

We commit to working with the LA 1 Coalition to identify funding sources and mechanisms to complete Phase 2 of this important project.

The resolution presented today is an example of diverse coastal interests working together cooperatively on practical solutions that can help ensure a viable future for our delta and other vital coastal areas, our communities, and the economic activities that serve the state and nation.

About The America's WETLAND Foundation
The America's WETLAND Foundation manages the largest, most comprehensive public education campaign in Louisiana's history, raising public awareness of the impact of Louisiana's wetland loss on the state, nation and world. The America's Energy Coast initiative works to sustain the environmental and economic assets of the Gulf Coast region. The initiative is supported by a growing coalition of world, national and state conservation and environmental organizations and has drawn private support from businesses that see wetlands protection as a key to economic growth. For more information, visit www.americaswetland.com or www.futureofthegulfcoast.org.

About The Restore the Mississippi River Delta Coalition
The Restore the Mississippi River Delta Coalition is working to protect people, wildlife and jobs by reconnecting the river with its wetlands. As our region faces the crisis of threatening land loss, we offer science-based solutions through a comprehensive approach to restoration. Composed of conservation, policy, science and outreach experts from Environmental Defense Fund, National Audubon Society, National Wildlife Federation, Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana and Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation, we are located in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Washington, D.C.; and around the United States. For more information, visit MississippiRiverDelta.org.