Baton Rouge Reporter

U.S. Congressman Garret Graves has issued a statement regarding the groundbreaking of the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project. This initiative aims to reconnect the Mississippi River with coastal areas in Louisiana that are lacking freshwater and sediment.

"The Mississippi River built Louisiana – and finally reconnecting it with coastal areas that are currently starved of freshwater and sediment will ensure our future," said Graves. He emphasized the significance of this milestone for the Coastal Master Plan, stating, "By allowing science – not politics – to drive our mission, we are able to help mother nature run its course and build a sustainable footprint for Louisiana’s future. It’s about preserving our state, coastline, economy, fisheries, and Sportsman’s Paradise for generations to come."

Graves initiated this revised project at the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) several years ago. He secured funding during negotiations following the Deepwater Horizon incident in 2014 and 2015. In his role as a congressman, Graves also amended federal law to prevent any obstruction to the Mid-Barataria project.