WASHINGTON (June 12)– Sens. John Breaux and Mary Landrieu (both D-La.) announced today the award of $2.7 million by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources to maintain coastal resources.

The $2,765,000 will allow Louisiana to continue to carry out its coastal management program. The Louisiana Coastal Resources Program is implemented by the Louisiana Department of Natural Resource Coastal Management Division to help Louisiana manage its coastline.

"Louisiana's coastal zone is a precious resource in 19 of our parishes. Our industries rely on the coast and its wetlands for fishing, tourism and other recreational activities that bring millions of dollars to Louisiana every year," Sen. Breaux said. "But our coast is in peril. We are losing 25 to 30 square miles a year -- equal to a football field of coastal wetlands every 30 minutes. This $2.7 million will ensure our coastal area is available for future generations to enjoy."

The grant will enable the Coastal Management Division to provide technical assistance to local governments to develop and maintain a geographic information system of the coastal zone and help federal agencies operate there. The funding will include incentives to improve local programs, educational outreach on coastal water pollution issues, and to develop an oil spill impact restoration program.

"Louisiana's coastal zones are among the most biologically rich and economically significant natural systems in the country. Unfortunately, they now are in danger. This grant will go far toward helping Louisiana protect these precious resources," Sen. Landrieu said. "Still, we must do more. That is why I am lead sponsor of the Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA), which would provide significant additional money for coastal impact assistance."

CARA, S. 2123 and S. 25 in the Senate, would represent the largest federal environmental investment in more than a generation. In addition to providing funding for coastal impact assistance, the bill would redirect a portion of outer continental shelf oil and gas revenues back to states by fully funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund's federal and state side initiatives, wildlife conservation, historic preservation and park projects. The House version of the bill passed May 24 by an overwhelming majority of 315-102. Senator Breaux also is a co-sponsor of CARA.