Baton Rouge Reporter

Congressman Garret Graves of South Louisiana has announced a significant financial relief measure for Jefferson and Orleans Parishes. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has agreed to reduce up to $68 million in interest obligations owed by these parishes as part of their share of construction costs for the Southeast Louisiana Flood Control Project.

Graves expressed his commitment to advocating for Louisiana, stating, “As I’ve stated since June, we are running through the tape. We will not stop fighting for Louisiana until the fight is through. Katrina was nearly 20 years ago, but so many have forgotten what our state stands to lose if we take our eyes off the ball." He emphasized the importance of ensuring long-term protection for the state's ecological and physical viability.

In 2020, Graves introduced a provision in the Water Resources Development Act that allowed Louisiana to make accelerated loan payments on post-Katrina levee systems around New Orleans. This move resulted in over $1 billion in interest savings for the state. Additionally, it enabled Orleans and Jefferson Parishes to renegotiate their repayment terms related to the SELA drainage project.

Over four years, Graves engaged with various federal entities including the U.S. Army Corps, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, and Office of Management and Budget to ensure compliance with this legislation under the Biden administration.

Further details on this initiative can be found in several documents: an October 30, 2024 letter from the U.S. Army Corps to Graves; a November 8, 2024 letter from Sewerage and Water Board; a June 2, 2021 delegation letter led by Graves; and a September 15, 2023 letter addressing misinterpretations of Graves's legislation.