Breaux Act Newsflash - CPRA Seeks Public Input for Surplus Funds Spending
***********************************************************************CPRA Seeks Public Input for Surplus Funds Spending
The Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority continues to
solicit public input to help determine the list of coastal restoration and
hurricane protection projects that will receive additional funding from the
state's budget surplus.
The deadline for suggestions is June 4, 2008. Suggestions should be sent by
email to info@lacpra.org.
In March, the Louisiana Legislature, at the request of Governor Bobby
Jindal, dedicated $300 million to coastal restoration and hurricane
protection during the second special session of 2008.
The CPRA has committed to accepting public comments and suggestions through
email prior to dedicating the funds to vital coastal restoration and
protection projects.
CPRA Chairman Garret Graves said at the Authority's March 19 meeting that
the list of projects to meet urgent needs for restoration and protection
would be developed considering these public comments.
"Dedicating that historic amount of money to coastal restoration and
hurricane protection is a clear sign that the Jindal Administration is
determined to advance projects as quickly as possible," Graves said. "As in
the past, the CPRA will seek as much input from the public as possible and
be as transparent as possible as we determine the best ways to use these
surplus dollars."
The $300 million commitment is the largest single dedication of funds to
coastal restoration and hurricane protection in Louisiana's history. It was
part of a $1.08 billion budget surplus from the 2006-07 fiscal year.
For more information about the CPRA's hurricane protection and coastal
restoration efforts, please contact Chris Macaluso at 225-342-3968 or by
email at chris.macaluso@la.gov.
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