Sunday, March 2, 2008

Governor Jindal On Louisiana Coastal Erosion Yesterday

I really fret over this problem. Heck I think I worry about it more than many South Louisiana folks I know it seems. I suppose that is because some are in a land of utter denial, or have to block this reality out for their own sanity, or perhaps have become super Calvinist like and believe it is God's decree. I was very uspet that only one person in the last Governor's race spent major time talking about it a lot.

The Advocate has a good article called Jindal wants projects to begin now.( It is in the Sports section) Here is a part of what he said before Coastal Conservation Association-Louisiana’s annual convention.

All that served as the appetizer for Jindal’s entrée — coastal restoration.
“The time for studies is long past,” Jindal said. “Now is the time to put the plan into action. We know what needs to be done and the time is now to get started.”
The new governor talked about the loss of coastal wetlands from hurricanes Katrina and Rita — 20 square miles or about two or three times the loss in a “normal” year.
He mentioned we have 10 years before we will see irreparable damage to our coastline, though he quickly added he believes we’re closer than that to crossing that threshold.
“We have to act with a sense of urgency … or we will have to deal with regrets and missed opportunities,” he said. “Now is the time to get this done.”
What Jindal grasped from Louisiana’s coastal problems and what he imparted Saturday was something lots of folks have missed in the past, that restoration is more than where can we catch the next fish, crab or shrimp or tong the next sack of oysters, or seeing the marshes the way we found them 30, 40 or 50 years ago.
Our state’s economy and its citizens’ collective psyche depends on having a thriving, healthy marsh for dozens of reasons. A building marsh makes dollars and sense, and Jindal made sure to make that point.
He left to a standing ovation. He hit a home run
.

AMEN!!!!! About Time. This is a state ane national scandal what is happening. GO Bobby GO!!!

No comments: