Rep. Scalise Issues Statement on Fisheries Disaster Assistance Funding for Louisiana

WASHINGTON, May 19 -- Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Louisiana, issued the following statement after the Commerce Department announced $58.3 million in fisheries disaster assistance funding for Louisiana to mitigate the damaging impacts of extreme flooding:

"In Louisiana, we are proud to be home to some of the best fisheries in the world.

"I applaud President Trump and Secretary Ross for recognizing the damaging impacts that historic flooding, and the openings of the Bonnet Carre Spillway, had on Louisiana's seafood and recreational fishing industries and for allocating $58.3 million in disaster assistance to our state's fishermen.

"These funds will be used to restore the health of our fisheries and to ensure our fishermen are able to continue providing the world-class seafood that supports the livelihood of families and local communities across Southeast Louisiana.

"I encourage Secretary Ross to work with state and local officials to distribute this funding as quickly as possible."

Background:

Now that Louisiana has received its allocation, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will coordinate with impacted stakeholders to develop and submit a spending plan that will propose how funds will be spent. Once a spending plan is approved by the Department of Commerce, funds will be disbursed to the state and the fishing community can begin receiving aid.

In September, 2019, House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) released a statement on Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross' approval of disaster assistance for American fishing communities - including Southeast Louisiana fisheries.

In July, 2019, House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) and the Louisiana Congressional Delegation called on Secretary Ross to begin taking steps to protect the Louisiana seafood and recreational fishing industries and to address the ecological impacts to Lake Pontchartrain resulting from the openings of the Bonnet Carre Spillway in 2019.

Read the full letter here https://www.republicanwhip.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/19.7.8-Delegation-ltr-to-Sec.-Ross-on-Bonnet-Carre.pdf.