Former Plaquemines Parish President Benny Rousselle has begun work at the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) this week. According to DNR Secretary Scott Angelle, “Rousselle will serve in a capacity well-suited to his long time experience, and I look forward to the progress we can make together.”

Rousselle will serve as DNR’s Intergovernmental Affairs Coordinator under the Office of the Secretary. Angelle said that Rousselle was appointed by the Governor last year to serve on the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) and in 2005 he was President of PACE (Parishes Against Coastal Erosion).

Rousselle has had a career in business, real estate, and as an elected government official. He was also elected to serve the citizens of Plaquemines, Jefferson and Lafourche parishes in the Louisiana House of Representatives in 1996.  He has over 20 years of government service.

Angelle said, “Rousselle’s role will fortify a link of communications to the parishes participating in the state’s CIAP (Coastal Impact Assistance) and CPRA programs as the programs are adopted and implemented.”