(Washington, DC) -  Congressman Charles W. Boustany, Jr., M.D., (R-South Louisiana) issued the following statement after the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held a full committee hearing today titled, “Restoring Jobs, Coastal Viability and Economic Resilience in the Gulf of Mexico.” The Committee discussed the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies (RESTORE) Act of 2011 (H.R. 3096). Congressman Boustany served as an original co-sponsor to this legislation:

“The RESTORE Act of 2011 ensures at least 80 percent of BP’s Clean Water Act fines pay for the restoration of the Gulf Coast. Under the legislation, 35 percent of the funds will be divided among the five Gulf Coast states. Thirty percent will be dedicated to the development and implementation of a comprehensive restoration plan. Another 30 percent will be allocated through an impact-driven formula. The final 5 percent will establish an endowment and centers of excellence to advance science and technology in the Gulf region.

“Restoring the Gulf coast and providing hurricane protection for the region will take time. Passing this bill is a step in the right direction toward achieving these goals. I remain committed to the restoration of the Gulf Coast and will continue to work with the Corps of Engineers, state, and local officials to repair our precious wetlands.”

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