Gov. Bobby Jindal and Plaquemines officials float plan to rebuild barrier islands to stop encroaching oil
By Chris Kirkham, The Times-Picayune
For years, state government officials, scientists and coastal residents have made numerous pleas to the federal government for money to restore Louisiana's barrier islands.
In the midst of a catastrophic oil spill, they may finally get their shot.
At a news conference in Venice this afternoon,
Gov. Bobby Jindal and Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser said they are already in discussions with BP and the Coast Guard to mobilize as many as 10 dredges to build up barrier islands in an attempt to prevent oil from getting into the state's wetlands.Nothing is set in stone, but Nungesser and officials with the governor's office will meet with the Coast Guard and BP Monday to discuss the strategy.
"This is something that could take months, not years," Jindal said,
Rough drafts of the plan show filling in gaps within the Chandeleur Islands, east of the Mississippi River and Breton Sound, and building up barrier islands to protect the Barataria Basin west of the river.
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