[StBernard] Senate passes Water Resources Development Act

[Westley Annis]

The News from Congressman Richard H. Baker
Sixth District, Louisiana
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 24, 2007
CONTACT: Megan Bel, (202) 225-3901

Senate passes Water Resources Development Act  

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Richard Baker, R-Baton Rouge, today commended the Senate for passing the Water Resources Development Act conference report by an 81-12 vote.  

“The Senate’s passage of the WRDA conference report is a victory for Louisiana ,” stated Rep. Baker.  “Our state is on the verge of undertaking one of the largest coastal restoration projects this country has ever seen, and WRDA is essential to getting that work underway.  With over $3 billion in projects critical to Louisiana authorized in this legislation, it is imperative that President Bush sign this bill.  

“WRDA represents one of the single most important pieces of legislation for Post-Katrina Louisiana,” Rep. Baker continued. “I again urge the White House to reconsider its veto threat.” 

As a House conferee, Rep. Baker was critical in negotiating the final language in the conference report and secured additional funding for Louisiana projects.  WRDA will provide over $3 billion to Louisiana , including nearly $200 million for East Baton Rouge Parish projects, almost $900 million for Morganza to the Gulf, and over $1.9 billion in funding and Corps work on numerous coastal restoration and hurricane protection projects in the Louisiana Coastal Area. 

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