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Coastal Restoration & Flood Protection

Protecting Louisiana’s coast is not merely an environmental issue; given its tremendous regional and national impact on jobs, trade and community, the health of our coast is also an economic issue. As an organization comprised of business leaders, the Business Council is in a unique position to emphasize why the protection and restoration of Louisiana’s coast is important to the future of our city, state and nation.

Proceeding expeditiously on ecosystem restoration projects will help protect the many business sectors — including shipping, oil and gas, fisheries and wildlife tourism — that depend on a healthy Gulf ecosystem. Coastal restoration projects will also provide a tremendous economic boost to the region through new jobs and the growth of the wide range of companies involved in planning and doing the restoration work.

The Business Council partners with organizations throughout southeastern Louisiana and the Gulf Coast region to develop and promote robust policies and strategies in support of existing and future coastal protection and restoration. While the Business Council played an instrumental role in the consolidation of New Orleans-area levee boards into two boards with the focused mission to coordinate flood protection efforts for the area, its work on this issue is ongoing. Currently, among other things, the Business Council is monitoring the work of the United States Army Corps of Engineers New Orleans District and flood and stormwater management agencies, including the New Orleans Sewerage & Water Board and regional flood protection authorities. The Business Council endeavors to speak with a unified voice at all levels of government — federal, state and local — on issues that ensure southeastern Louisiana receives the best, most reliable and appropriately funded flood and storm protection.

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