Coastal Conservation Association Louisiana Defends Coastline, Works With Army Corp Of Engineers

May 24, 2010
Lt. Gen. Robert Van Antwerp
Commanding General
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
441 G Street, NW
Washington, DC 20314-1000
Re: Barrier Island Defense: A Plan of Action to Protect from Disaster
Dear Lieutenant General Van Antwerp:
The Coastal Conservation Association Louisiana is urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to approve Louisiana’s proposed dredging project immediately to ameliorate damages to our coastal areas which are being destroyed by the BP oil spill. Our coastal areas are in the midst of an environmental crisis unlike any ever experienced in the United States. A crisis of this magnitude requires emergency action, and we must not allow bureaucratic procedures to delay the implementation of remedies that have the potential of lessening the damage to our marshes, beaches and other fragile coastal areas.
CCA Louisiana is the state’s largest volunteer organization dedicated to marine conservation and coastal stewardship. Our membership is made up almost entirely of recreational fishermen who recognize the importance of conservation and have embraced their role as stewards of our shared marine resources. On behalf of our entire membership, I respectfully request that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers work as partners with Louisiana authorities to find solutions to the unprecedented
challenges presented by the oil spill.
It is our understanding that the Corps’ approval of the dredging project is required so that equipment
can be mobilized to start building the necessary sand barriers. CCA Louisiana urges that authorization to proceed with this project be given without delay.
Sincerely,
David A. Cresson
Executive Director/CEO