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News from the Morganza Action Coalition
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We Need Federal Funding for Flood Protection NOW
MAC Passes Resolution Urging Feds to Dedicate Money to the Morganza Levee System.
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Local residents and state government have invested
over $400 million
to construct levees and floodgates along the Morganza to the Gulf alignment since 2001, and an
additional $387 million
in local and state funds is committed for the Houma Navigation Canal Lock.
BUT the federal government has yet to commit $1
for construction of this FEDERAL PROJECT.
We need help to SAVE our community!
The Morganza Action Coalition (MAC)
passed a resolution
on Aug
ust 21
urgently requesting construction funding from the federal government for the Morganza to the Gulf Risk Reduction Project. This came on the heels of news that the
U.S. Corps of Engineers received $600 million in funding
for Louisiana projects
but no money was allocated for Morganza
, despite the project having been authorized by Congress three times since 2000.
"The recent announcement has created a sense of urgency, disappointment and frustration in the communities of Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes," wrote members of the MAC Board of Directors.
"Federal money is vital to strengthening and maintaining the first levee lifts and floodgates we have built with local and state funds to ensure that Terrebonne and Lafourche have the flood protection our communities need and deserve," said MAC President Jay Walker. "We have done more than our fair share. It's time for the federal government to do their job."
Stay tuned for more information from MAC on how you can help us demand federal funds for Morganza!
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MAC Reps Appeal to Mississippi River Commission for Federal
Support
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| MAC's Danny Walker addresses Miss. River Commission |
Terrebonne, North Lafourche and
South
Lafourche
Levee
District leaders and MAC representatives spoke to members
of
the Mississippi River Commission on August 24 during the Commission's meeting in Morgan City, urging federal "New Start' designation and
funding
for the Morganza to
the
Gulf
project
.
TLCD and MAC Board member Danny Walker presented resolutions from MAC and local industrial groups and Chambers of Commerce urging the federal government to allocate construction money for Morganza.
"Formally, we are asking for your help. The people of Terrebonne and Lafourche are still waiting for the calvary," said TLCD President Tony Alford.
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America's Wetland Forum Focuses on Community Sustainability
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TLCD Executive Director Reggie Dupre speaks at forum
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Terrebonne and
Lafourche
Parishes are perfect examples of
communities
that are
totally invested in their own sustainability, explained local participants at the America's Wetland Foundation's forum on August 29 at Nicholls State
University.
Terrebonne Parish President Gordy Dove and Terrebonne Levee District Executive Director Reggie Dupre
told the 75 coastal leaders in attendance that nearly $1 billion in locally led restoration and protection projects are possible because the people of Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes tax themselves and partner with the State to implement innovative solutions to save their communities.
In addition,
Chip Kline, Chair of the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority
pointed out the the federal government has been slow to invest in local hurricane protection projects.
While Morganza to the Gulf has been authorized three times, "not a single dime has been spent by the federal government on this project," Kline said, "and that is not acceptable."
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Project Spotlight: Falgout Canal Floodgate
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Parish President Gordy Dove and Levee Director Reggie Dupre view construction of the
Falgout Canal Floodgate barge.
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The Falgout Canal Floodgate barge is now under construction at Bollinger Shipyards in Amelia, with delivery to its permanent location in Dularge expected in January 2019.
The barge is 190 feet long, 40 feet wide and 28 feet high, built with approximately 1,000 tons of steel. When completed, the floodgate will protect lower Terrebonne and will stop hurricane tidal surge from moving north into Houma. The $35.6 million Falgout Canal Floodgate project is funded by the state, parish and levee district, all made possible by taxpayer support.
It should be operational in March 2019, before the start of next year's hurricane season.
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MAC Member Spotlight: South Louisiana Bank
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MAC relies on membership support to actively be the voice for flood protection in Terrebonne and Lafourche,
and all of our members and levee district partners are crucial to our success.
South Louisiana Bank
recently made another generous membership contribution to MAC, and we thank them for their continued support of MAC and our mission to advance the Morganza to the Gulf project.
"We hope our contribution challenges other businesses to join MAC as well. South Louisiana Bank understand the urgency of full implementation of Morganza to protect South Louisiana," said
Mickey Thomas, President and CEO of South Louisiana Bank.
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MAC was a sponsor of the August 9 joint regional Chambers of Commerce luncheon featuring Senator John Kennedy.
TLCD Executive Director Reggie Dupre and Project Manager Mitch Marmande discussed the Morganza Project and its environmental benefits with members of the BHP Community Reference Group on August 28.
Outgoing South Central Industrial Association President Cory Kief awarded the three local levee district directors the
SCIA President's Award at the group's banquet on June 14.
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Julia Arenstam, | Daily Comet August 27, 2018
Julia Arenstam, | Daily Comet August 28, 2018
Scott McLendon | Daily Comet August 29, 2018
Scott McLendon | Daily Comet August 29, 2018
Houma Today | August 19, 2018
Keith Magill | September 2, 2018
Mark Schleifstein | NOLA.com August 20, 1018
Scott McLendon | Daily Comet August 16, 2018
Harrison Golden | BRproud.com August 15, 2018
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THANK YOU TO OUR MAC MEMBERS!
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Your membership contribution to MAC helps to sustain our federal lobbying efforts and strengthen MAC's public outreach. Your contribution makes our call for support of Morganza and other flood protection projects in our area even LOUDER!
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The Morganza Action Coalition is a 501(c)(4) corporation founded in 2006 by Terrebonne Parish residents and business leaders who recognize the importance of the Morganza-to-the-Gulf Hurricane Protection System to the continued survivability, economic viability and growth of our region. Today, MAC advocates for comprehensive levee protection for Terrebonne & Lafourche Parishes.
MAC relies on financial contributions from local businesses and individuals to support these advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C. and in Baton Rouge, as well as to fund outreach and communication activities to gain public support for the Morganza to the Gulf Hurricane Protection System and levee projects in North and South Lafourche.
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