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Baton Rouge Reporter

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Graves secures historic wins for South Louisiana hurricane protection projects

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Garret Graves U.S. House of Representatives from Louisiana's 6th district | Official U.S. House Headshot

Garret Graves U.S. House of Representatives from Louisiana's 6th district | Official U.S. House Headshot

U.S. Congressman Garret Graves (South Louisiana) announced today that he secured $93 million for the Morganza-to-the-Gulf Hurricane Protection Project in the FY2025 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill, which the House will consider in late July. Additionally, Graves secured $3.15 million for the deepening of the Houma Navigation Canal and $2 million to continue preparations for the construction of the Upper Barataria project.

“South Louisiana’s safety is non-negotiable,” said Congressman Garret Graves. “The most effective way to protect our local homeowners and businesses is by investing in protection before disaster strikes, and this $93 million will ensure that Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes have the security they deserve. These communities have shown tremendous support for this project – contributing over $1 billion in local and state funds – and this latest federal investment underscores a continued commitment to safeguarding South Louisiana against devastating storms and flooding. It demonstrates that we all believe in the project’s importance and necessity.”

Today’s announcement marks the largest congressional funding allocation that the Morganza-to-the-Gulf Hurricane Protection Project has received. Morganza has long been a priority for Graves, who has worked with federal, state, and local officials to address delays that had plagued the project for decades.

Graves was able to get the Army Corps not only to reconsider how they value the benefits of the project by recognizing contributions from Terrebonne and Lafourche communities but also change how Congress allocates funding for projects nationwide. This ensured that Morganza was eligible for congressional funding. Since then, Graves has secured funding annually to continue work on Morganza.

The newly secured funds will fully support the New Orleans district’s FY2025 capability for Morganza, enhancing its capacity to protect communities in Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes, which are crucial to the nation’s energy and maritime sectors.

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