Hurricane Relief and Coastal Restoration

Congressman Melancon was on the front lines following the hurricanes and he has not stopped the fighting for people of the 3rd District. He was one of the first elected officials on the ground in both Plaquemines and St. Bernard Parishes after Hurricane Katrina. Hurricane Recovery and coastal restoration are two of the biggest issues for Congressman Melancon. Most recently, Charlie helped pass OCS legislation that would provide $9 billion for coastal restoration for the state of Louisiana over the next several years. He also helped secure the passage of Water Resources Development Act, which would provide funding for new levees for much of South Louisiana. He has helped secure passage of billions of dollars of emergency relief and has been a tireless advocate for the plight of the people of south Louisiana.

Nearly everyone in the third district continues to face issues related to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Whether it be insurance issues, housing problems, job loss, or relocation, so many of people are reminded of the hurricane on a daily basis. Charlie is currently working on a comprehensive disaster recovery package that would prepare our country for future disasters and prevent insurance companies from not honoring claims. Congressman Melancon will continue to make sure that Louisianans receive their fair share of revenues and that future disasters are minimal and that we are protected from them. With Congressman Melancon, you have a leader who is willing to work with anyone to make sure we are protected when disaster strikes.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

• Voted for and helped pass the DOER (Deep Ocean Energy Resources) Act, which opens up new offshore oil reserves and allows for revenue sharing with states that could mean up to $9 billion over the next 10 years for Louisiana.

• Voted for and helped pass WRDA (Water Resources Development Act), which authorizes hurricane protection and coastal restoration projects such as Morganza to the Gulf and the Port of Iberia Navigation Project

• Secured over $200 million in supplemental appropriations for St. Bernard and Plaquemines Parishes to rebuild their communities.

• Secured over $6,000 per pupil for school districts affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

• Sponsored H.R.3958 : To provide disaster relief and incentives for economic recovery for Louisiana residents and businesses affected by Hurricane Katrina.

• Sponsored H.R.4117 : To permit the cancellation of certain loans under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

• Sponsored H.AMDT.717 to H.R.4939 Amendment sought to increase funding for Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies by $465 million.