La. restoration projects OK’d by Prez

Multiple major flood defense and coastal restoration projects proposed for Louisiana are expected to move forward under a law signed Oct. 23 by President Donald Trump. The Water Resources Development Act, which got bipartisan support in Congress, authorizes a long list of projects and studies, and directs the Army Corps of Engineers to speed up projects that have been authorized. It’s “a big deal for Louisiana,” said U.S. Rep. Garret Graves (R-La.). “This begins to cut the red tape, cut the bureaucracy, and (allows) us to turn dirt – to make sure our ports are competitive, our ecosystems restored, and our communities are safe,” Graves said during a signing ceremony at the White House. No projects are funded by the act. Instead, it dictates which projects move forward and carried out. Funding would need to be allocated by the president or included in appropriations by Congress. (Source: NOLA.com 10/24/18)