Graves Secures Historic Wins for Morganza, HNC, and Upper Barataria in House Appropriations Bill

Graves Secures Historic Wins for Morganza, HNC, and Upper Barataria in House Appropriations Bill

U.S. Congressman Garret Graves (South Louisiana) announced today that he secured $93 million for the Morganza-to-the-Gulf Hurricane Protection Project in FY2025 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill, which the House will take up in late July. Additionally, Graves secured $3.15 million for the deepening of the Houma Navigation Canal and $2 million to continue preparations for the construction of the Upper Barataria project.

"South Louisiana's safety is non-negotiable," said Congressman Garret Graves. "The most effective way to protect our local homeowners and businesses is by investing in protection before disaster strikes, and this $93 million will ensure that Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes have the security they deserve. These communities have shown tremendous support for this project - contributing over $1 billion in local and state funds - and this latest federal investment underscores a continued commitment to safeguarding South Louisiana against devastating storms and flooding. It demonstrates that we all believe in the project's importance and necessity."

Background:

Today's announcement is the largest congressional funding allocation that the Morganza-to-the-Gulf Hurricane Protection Project has received. Morganza has long been a priority for Graves, who has worked diligently with federal, state, and local officials to break the log jam the project had experienced for decades.

Graves was able to get the Army Corps not only to reconsider how they value the benefits of the project by recognizing the work that Terrebonne and Lafourche communities had already contributed, but change how Congress allocates funding for projects nationwide. This ensured that Morganza was eligible for congressional funding. Since then, Graves has secured funding to continue the work on Morganza every year.

The newly secured funds will fully support the New Orleans district's FY2025 capability for Morganza, enhancing the project's capacity to protect communities in Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes, which are crucial to the nation's energy and maritime sectors.