[StBernard] Gov. Kathleen Blanco - Coastal protection testimony, November 10, 2005

[Westley Annis]

Gov. Kathleen Blanco - Coastal protection testimony, November 10, 2005 

Thank you for allowing me to speak today on a bill that may be the most
important one you consider this special session.

Making sure our communities are safe from future storms will be the
determining factor in whether or not our citizens and businesses return and
rebuild and reinvest in those communities.

We must ensure their safety or there cannot be real economic recovery.
 
Coastal restoration and hurricane protection must go hand in hand and must
not be treated as separate efforts.  This integration will allow us to
achieve true coastal protection for south Louisiana.

It's time our coastal communities have the kind of protection that will
ensure them against the physical, emotional and economic damage they are now
experiencing. And that takes both restoration and levees.
 
Just two days ago, the U.S. Energy and Water Subcommittee of the Senate
Appropriations Committee passed a measure to provide $8 million to the Corps
of Engineers to design a comprehensive coastal protection plan for Louisiana
that integrates coastal restoration and hurricane protection.

So today I'm asking you to begin the process on the state level - to
integrate these efforts and to then take one more step.

I have heard over and over again from Members of Congress that they get
mixed messages from us - that we need to speak with one voice on this issue
- that there needs to be one point of focus.  The integration of these
efforts will allow us to do just that.

By now, you have probably heard the cries in the media to consolidate or
even abolish our levee boards.  I'm hearing the same thing from all over the
state - from the business community and from some legislators.  I probably
hear more about this issue than any other.

If we are to be true to the priority of real protection and safety for our
communities against storm surge,
If we are to maintain our focus and have real economic recovery,
If we are to have insurance coverage for our homes and businesses, 
And, if we are to convince Congress and the American people that we're not
just business-as-usual, we must have full accountability.

You may have noticed that item number two in the call for the special
session allows for levee board reorganization.  Again, some lawmakers are
very anxious to move this concept forward.

I don't agree.  I've taken criticism for that disagreement.

I believe we need our levee districts and levee boards - that they have
historically played a crucial role and should continue to.

But I also believe there must be a high level of accountability from those
levee boards and a high degree of oversight by the State of Louisiana.  The
oversight this bill provides is far stronger than any consolidation efforts.
No matter how many levee districts, it is oversight they need.

This bill allows for that accountability and oversight.

It expands the existing responsibilities and the membership of the State
Wetlands Authority.  

The Authority would be re-named the Coastal Protection and Restoration
Authority and would coordinate a comprehensive and integrated hurricane
protection and coastal restoration program.

It would add two members to the authority from levee boards in the coastal
zone.
 
This bill would require levee districts to comply with the comprehensive
coastal protection master plan and would give the Coastal Protection and
Restoration Authority the power to enforce that compliance.

Now let me tell you what this bill does NOT do.

It does NOT require the expenditure of more general fund dollars.
It does NOT consolidate or abolish levee districts.
It does NOT include levee districts in non-coastal areas that would not have
to comply with the master plan.
It does NOT create yet another level of bureaucracy, but works within an
existing Authority.

I believe we all have the same goal - a safer, stronger, more prosperous
Louisiana - a Louisiana our people and our businesses can feel confident to
return to so they can rebuild their lives and our state's future.

I urge you to consider this bill favorably.

We have cabinet members and staff available to answer your questions.

Thank you. 

 ###


The Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation (LDRF), Louisiana's fund for
Louisiana's people, has been established by Governor Kathleen Babineaux
Blanco in order to support long-term family restoration and recovery and
help provide assistance to our citizens in need through a network of
Louisiana charities and non-profit agencies. 

1-877-HELPLA1 (877-435-7521) www.louisianahelp.org