Office of Coastal Management

Federal dollars targeted for battling the ravages of coastal erosion in Louisiana have been pledged by Congress today with the passage of the reauthorization of the "Breaux Act," also known as the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act

Federal dollars targeted for battling the ravages of coastal erosion in Louisiana have been pledged by Congress today with the passage of the reauthorization of the "Breaux Act," also known as the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act (CWPPRA).

The reauthorization of more than $40 million to the state's coastal wetlands fund is for nine years and was approved when the Senate passed an unrelated bill, the Pittman-Robertson Act (H.R. 3671) that is now headed to President Clinton for signature. The Breaux Act was first passed in 1990 and is funded by user fees imposed on fishing gear and small engine/motor fuels.

In a news release issued by U.S. Senator John Breaux's office, "this November will mark the 10th anniversary of the passage of the Breaux Act, one of the senator's major legislative achievements during his first term in the United States Senate." According to the release, Senator Breaux stressed the importance of the legislation saying that Louisiana's coastline is home to two million residents and a highly productive ecosystem that supports a unique culture and economic growth.

Louisiana is battling the loss of 35 square miles of coastal wetlands each year. At this rate of land loss there is a tremendous impact on the environment and the ecosystem.

News of the renewed funding assured the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Governor's Office of Coastal Activities, and CWPPRA Task Force member agencies that future restoration projects could be built under the strategic efforts developed to protect and enhance the state's coastal wetlands.

DNR Secretary Jack Caldwell said that the news also comes on the heels of a public dedication that will be held in Jefferson parish tomorrow celebrating the success of the Barataria Waterway Shore Protection project and the anniversary of the Breaux Act.

Editors: For more on this topic, please contact DNR Public Information Officer Phyllis Darensbourg at 225-342-8955.