Converting the Obama Economic Stimulus Plan into Coastal Restoration for Louisiana
The Obama transition team has announced an economic stimulus plan aimed at creating 2.5 million new jobs. It appears that this plan presents an opportunity for new and expanded spending on coastal restoration projects. Jackie Calmes and Jeff Zeleny of the New York Times have written an article entitled, Obama Aids Signal a Boost in Stimulus Spending. This article includes the following excerpt:
"Advisers to Mr. Obama say they want to use the economic crisis as an opportunity to act on many of the issues he emphasized in his campaign, including .... addressing neglected public infrastructure projects like roads and schools, and creating “green jobs” through business incentives for energy alternatives and environmentally friendly technologies."
This language seems to suggest that infrastructure projects such as those directly addressing coastal land loss in Louisiana and those related to management of the Mississippi River system might be included. This will require educating Congress and the incoming Obama administration on the need for action. The public needs to be urging Governor Jindal, Senators Landrieu and Vitter as well as the House congressional delegation to press for inclusion of coastal Louisiana projects in the Obama economic stimulus plan.
