Urging the Federal Government to Support Louisiana Governor's Request to Build Sand Barriers

Floor Speech

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, today I sent, along with Representative Scalise of Louisiana, a letter to the United States Army Corps of Engineers supporting Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal's request for an emergency permit to dredge and build sand barrier islands. The United States Corps of Engineers must conduct an environmental assessment before granting the State a permit to build the barriers.

Governor Jindal petitioned the Corps of Engineers on May 10, more than 2 weeks ago, for approval to dredge and build the sand barriers. He has yet to receive a response. In the meantime, oil has begun to inundate Louisiana's fragile coasts and marshes. The proposed sand barriers would create a permanent barrier to prevent oil from reaching the shores and the wetlands.

We support Governor Jindal's efforts to protect the fragile ecosystems and natural resources that are of critical importance, not just to Louisiana, but in fact the entire national economy, and we urge the Army Corps of Engineers to act swiftly so that they may assist the governor in protecting these valuable resources.

Mr. Scalise and I were both part of a congressional delegation that visited the Gulf and the protected area 3 weeks ago. We have seen the spill and the waters firsthand and seen the way it is threatening Louisiana's coastline. Every resource should be utilized to stem this spill and protect the Nation's coastline.

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