U.S. Senator David Vitter

(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter today urged the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers not to delay further action toward the closure of the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet.  In earlier conference calls with Lt. Gen. Robert Van Antwerp, Commander and Chief of the Engineers, and Earle Stockdale, Chief Counsel to the Army Corps, Vitter has criticized the Corps for delays to the project.  Today, he sent a letter to Van Antwerp and Stockdale endorsing the state’s changes to the latest proposed Memorandum of Understanding and encouraging the Corps to move the project forward.
“We cannot afford further delay, but instead of action the Corps is arguing over cost share formulas and allocations – something I believe we can resolve in the future without delaying this important project,” said Vitter.  “It has been more than three years since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita wreaked havoc on Louisiana, and parts of the state have since suffered extensive damage as a result of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.  MRGO represents a significant threat to Southeast Louisiana, and we cannot delay its closure any longer.”
Vitter has long been an outspoken advocate for the full closure of the MRGO.  Since Hurricane Katrina he has used every legislative vehicle possible to write provisions that clearly authorize and fund the Corps of Engineers’ work regarding the closure. Federal funds provide for the entirety of costs related to closure and restoration activities. 
While Vitter disputes the Corps’ position on the cost share agreement he believes that this issue can be settled at a later date.
“The Corps’ position is particularly offensive given the enormous environmental damage MRGO – a Corps project – has caused over the last several decades,” Vitter said.