On Monday, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary Scott Angelle joined Governor Kathleen Blanco in the Senate Chambers as members of the Senate listened to testimony of Senator Reggie Dupre of Houma on legislation that would bring hurricane protection and coastal preservation together for the first time.

The outcome---victory! Three bills, SB27, SB28, and SB71, all intended to integrate coastal and hurricane protection and to create a master plan for coastal protection with oversight by a new authority to be known as the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, passed 38 yeas, O nays.Governor Blanco addressed the senators after the vote, expressing optimism about the legislation that she called the cornerstone to the state’s recovery. She said the bills will impose strong accountability for coastal protection and will help persuade Congress of our ability to get the job done right.

Secretary Angelle said, “SB 71 is critical for us now, not only for our leaders in Washington to understand us but for our long-term economic future. We want businesses to return, our people and communities to return, and we want insurability also.”  Secretary Angelle noted also, “We believe an aggressive coastal restoration program will provide stronger hurricane protection benefits. This will be the first time in modern history that a strong centralized management of levee boards will occur, resulting in real focus and accountability.”