Historic, Defining, Symbolic, Real Reform: Call it anything you want but what took place at our State Capitol was quite a victory for our state and our citizens. Governor Blanco has shown that her fight for reforming a broken system could be won and now all of America can sit up and take notice. Levee board policy and management is well on its way to change, and the public safety of our citizens will be, without a doubt, much better because of it. The Louisiana Legislature overwhelmingly supported true and meaningful reform.

Although the Blanco-Boasso bills envisioned one single regional levee board to replace several in the New Orleans area, the compromised two-board system representing the separation of the west bank and the east bank of the Mississippi River was a deal worthy of near unanimous acceptance. Clearly, Governor Blanco can say to the federal government that Louisiana can take care and clean up flood-control issues that played a role in these crippling storms. She can move ahead in the true spirit of progress in satisfying a federal demand that our storm and coastal protection programs work under one office, the newly created Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA). The next hurdle will require this reform to be brought to the voters in the upcoming September elections.

Although my duties at the capitol have caused my presence in the LaSalle Building to be slight of late, I want our DNR staff to know that I depend upon your continuing leadership as we press-on in Mineral Resources, Conservation, Energy, the Atchafalaya Basin Program as well as in our Coastal Restoration and Protection efforts.

We have so much more work ahead but the work behind us demonstrates a road paved with accountability and assurances.

Yes, there are miles to go before we sleep.