Congressman Charles W. Boustany, Jr., M.D., (R-South Louisiana) released the following statement after receiving positive assurances from Major General Merdith “Bo” Temple, Acting Chief of Engineers and Jo-Ellen Darcy, Assistant Secretary of the United States Army (Civil Works), regarding the completion of the Southwest Coastal Louisiana Feasibility Study (SCLF).  Boustany issued a letter in November seeking assurances on the completion of the SCLF study:

“I refuse to suffer from ‘Rita Amnesia’ and forget the devastation left behind in Calcasieu, Cameron, and Vermilion Parishes. The urgency to complete the SCLF study cannot be understated. I welcome the positive news from the Major General and the Army Corps of Engineers. Completion of the SCLF remains a top priority to my office.

“Rebuilding the Gulf wetlands and providing South Louisianans with comprehensive hurricane and storm protection depends on completion of the SCLF study. The next phase of designing, building, and restoring South Louisiana will not begin until this feasibility study is finished.   

“Since 2005, I have worked tirelessly to have the initial reconnaissance study authorized and funded. After completion of the study, I crafted language expediting the second stage feasibility study and its subsequent funding. This has been an on-going process with years of work and effort invested toward the fruition of one goal: providing a comprehensive storm protection and restoration plan for South Louisiana. I remain committed to ensuring all the necessary steps are taken to restore the Gulf Coast, including the completion of the SCLF study.” 

###