NEW ORLEANS -- Every hour the state of Louisiana is losing a football field size of its coast, and if nothing is done soon, there won't be much of a coast, left according to experts.
Relief is on the way, as state congressional leaders have helped secure $10 million in funding to help restore the coast.
Louisiana has lost about 1,900 square miles of coastlands over the last 80 years, or roughly about 3/4 the size of the state of Delaware. State leaders say this problem is only getting worse, but there is some light being shed on the issue.
Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La, said along with the help of Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-La., they have been able to secure $10 million in funding for Louisiana's coasts.
A subcommittee on water and energy included the funds for the 2016 fiscal year after much debate in Washington.
The money will be used to restore the coast using dredging material and would add about 3 miles of wetlands every year over the next 50 years.
Overall the plan would add about 900 new miles of land with better protection while pushing the erosion elsewhere.
Another goal of the long-term plan is to add better storm protection to the coast with stronger hurricane barriers and better drainage.
Scalise said he is confident the bill will get signed into law.
"We finally got money to do that. There was never any federal funding to make that happen. This $10 million is going to go a long way to start this project that will be part of a long-term strategy to truly rebuild and restore the coast."
Richmond added, "Since coming to Congress I have remained a passionate advocate for the restoration of our coastal wetlands. In addition to providing essential storm surge protection and serving as natural habitats for Louisiana's wildlife, these wetlands are critical to protecting more than 80% of the nation's offshore oil and gas production and the busiest port system in the world. Restoration of Louisiana's coastline is indeed a national priority. I am extremely proud that my colleagues in the House have again shown their support in the fight to restore Louisiana's wetlands. Rep. Scalise and I will continue to make the case that the wetlands are essential to preserving our country's energy security and economic vitality."
"It is one of the major funding bills in congress," Scalise said. "This one has a good chance of making it to the president's desk, and if it does, it will get signed into law."
The price tag for the entire project is $50 billion over a 50-year period. Scalise said once the bill is signed, they plan to start immediately.
