Senator Mary Landrieu Announces $1.8M Investment in Flood Mitigation Projects in Richland, Tensas Parishes

06/02/2009 -- WASHINGTON -- United States Senator Mary Landrieu, D-La., today announced that two Louisiana floodplain easement applications have been selected for funding under the Recovery Act of 2009. The easements will cover 710 acres in Tensas Parish and 341 acres in Richland Parish. As a result of this $1,798,528 investment, about 300,000 hardwood trees will be planted. These trees will reduce the loss of future commodity crops by removing the land from crop production, and will help restore the habitat of the threatened Louisiana black bear.

"Our farmers suffered a devastating loss when Hurricanes Gustav and Ike ripped through the state last year," Sen. Landrieu said. "This investment in North Louisiana will help protect our agricultural communities from the risks of future flooding. This funding will also help restore our natural habitat in Tensas and Richland."

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"Louisiana's two floodplain easement projects will provide a valuable tool for restoring floodplain functions and values as well as native habitat," said Louisiana Natural Resources Conservation Service State Conservationist Kevin Norton. "These projects will provide a voluntary option for landowners to remove cropland from production on lands that have suffered from historic and recent floods."

Source: Senator Mary Landrieu