For Immediate Release: May 15, 2008
Contact: Chris Macaluso
(225) 342-3968
chris.macaluso@la.gov

The Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority is still soliciting public input to help determine the list of coastal restoration and hurricane protection projects that will receive additional funding from the state's budget surplus.

The dealine for suggestions is June 4, 2008. Suggestions should be sent by email to info@lacpra.org.

In March, the Louisiana Legislature, at the request of Governor Bobby Jindal, dedicated $300 million to coastal restoration and hurricane protection during the second special session of 2008.

The CPRA has committed to accepting public comment and suggestions through email prior to dedicating the funds to vital coastal restoration and protection projects.

CPRA Chairman Garret Graves said at the Authority's March 19 meeting that the list of projects to meet urgent needs for restoration and protection would be developed considering this public comment.

"Dedicating that historic amount of money to coastal restoration and hurricane protection is a clear sign that the Jindal Administration is determined to advance projects as quickly as possible," Graves said. "As in the past, the CPRA will seek as much input from the public as possible and be as transparent as possible as we determine the best ways to use these surplus dollars."

The $300 million commitment is the largest single dedication of funds to coastal restoration and hurricane protection in Louisiana's history. It was part of a $1.08 billion budget surplus from the 2006-07 fiscal year.

For more information about the CPRA's hurricane protection and coastal restoration efforts, please contact Chris Macaluso at 225-342-3968 or by email at chris.macaluso@la.gov.

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority's mandate is to develop, implement and enforce a comprehensive coastal protection and restoration master plan. For the first time in Louisiana's history, this single state authority will integrate coastal restoration and hurricane protection by marshalling the expertise and resources of the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Transportation and Development, and other state agencies, to speak with one clear voice for the future of Louisiana's coast. Working with federal, state and local political subdivisions, including levee districts, the CPRA will work to establish a safe and sustainable coast that will protect our communities, the nation's critical energy infrastructure, and our bountiful natural resources for generations to come. The CPRA of Louisiana was established by Act 8 of the 1st Extraordinary Session of 2005