HCR1 Passes Legislature, Funding 2015-2016 Coastal Annual Plan

(New Orleans, LA—May 19, 2015) Today, House Concurrent Resolution 1 (HCR 1) – the funding vehicle for the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority’s 2015-2016 annual plan for integrated coastal protection and restoration – made its final passage through the state legislature with unanimous approval of the Senate. The annual plan funds coastal restoration and hurricane protection for a three-year period through the authorization of $884 million in spending towards new and existing projects.

This authorization will fund some of the 19 priority projects for restoring Louisiana’s coast as identified by the Restore the Mississippi River Delta coalition. In response, coalition organizations including Environmental Defense Fund, National Audubon Society, National Wildlife Federation, Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana and the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation issued the following statement:

“The Louisiana Legislature demonstrated continued commitment to coastal restoration and protection issues by passing HCR1 today. As we mark the tenth year since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated our communities, at no point is this commitment more important than now.

“The passage of this year’s annual plan funds important projects that will have a significant impact on restoring our coast and better protecting the people, wildlife and industries of Louisiana.

“We applaud the leadership of Chip Kline, Director of the Governor’s Office of Coastal Activities and Chairman of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, and express gratitude to bill sponsor Representative Gordon Dove of Houma and Senator Norby Chabert of Houma, for shepherding this resolution through the legislature.

“A strong, sustainable Louisiana coast is the backbone of a vibrant economy, protected communities and a healthy environment. We ask all legislators to continue to prioritize coastal restoration and protection in the years ahead.”