[StBernard] Killer MR-GO shipping channel must be closed

[Westley Annis]

Re: "Shipping interest pushing for MR-GO," Page 1, Sept. 22. 
 
The shipping interests have the unmitigated gall to continue to champion the
Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet. They bring forth wonderful promises of
massive economic development and dreams of a "Gulf Gateway." 
 
These are the same promises that were made in order to build the channel and
have never materialized. The shipping industry's pipe dreams have only
proven a nightmare for the citizens of St. Bernard Parish. 
 
In regards to the MR-GO, David Kearney, a shipping warehouse operator, says
that "most ports would kill to have it." This port already has. The Port of
New Orleans and the shipping industry flatly ignored for years the death and
destruction that would ultimately result because of the MR-GO. There were
145 residents dead in St. Bernard and many more in New Orleans. There were
tens of thousands of homes destroyed. 
 
Because of the MR-GO, the corps is the object of several lawsuits for its
gross disregard for the citizens of our parish. Perhaps the shipping
interests and all others who callously support keeping this killer open
should be added in. 
 
Chris M. Holmes 
 
Chairman of Communications 
 
St. Bernard Sportsmen's League, Inc. 
 
Chalmette