Julia Letlow: $2M secured to reduce flood risk, but more needed

Louisianans know all too well the toll of dangerous flooding on local communities. We’ve seen deadly flood conditions countless times over the years, most prominently with Hurricane Katrina but also in 2016 on the Comite and Amite rivers in the Capital Region.

We must take Mother Nature seriously, an acknowledgment that starts with investing in crucial flood protection and mitigation strategies.

That’s why I’ve worked with the Amite River Basin Commission to secure $2 million in federal funding to help reduce flood risk along the Upper Amite River. This funding, passed as part of a deal to end the shutdown and enact three appropriations bills, will contribute to an overall plan to mitigate severe flooding that affects the entire Baton Rouge region. President Trump has already signed the funding into law.

This vital investment will support the Upper Amite River Flood Reduction and Restoration project by increasing flood storage capacity, reducing debris and slowing water velocity. These actions are vital to minimizing flood risk and the ensuing damage to lives and property.

The Capital Region is profoundly affected by flooding stemming from the Upper Amite. Louisiana households in the Amite River Basin - spanning from East Feliciana Parish through Denham Springs and down to Lake Maurepas - have seen the harsh effects of the river firsthand. 

Considering past history, it was a top priority of mine to put my seat on the House Appropriations Committee to work by securing funding to protect homes, communities, and lives. Working alongside local leaders who have already put forward a comprehensive plan, we provided a multi-million federal investment in flood prevention efforts in the Capital Region.

While this progress is worth celebrating, other issues related to flood control must also be addressed. Congress can additionally support Louisiana’s unique needs by passing a long-term reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program. 

Currently authorized through January 30, the NFIP saw a lapse during the government shutdown that prevented renewals and policies for new homeowners. A longer-term extension would grant peace of mind to those in flood-prone communities.

For many Louisianans, flood insurance is more than just a policy. It’s a lifeline. In the coming months, I will push hard for an NFIP extension that also includes reforms to improve the federal government’s overall disaster response.

I’m committed to using my seat on the Appropriations Committee to secure meaningful and long-term results for the Capital Region. As Congress finalizes annual funding bills in the coming months, I will continue to speak up for our waterway needs and other issues uniquely affecting South Louisiana.

Congresswoman Julia Letlow represents the 5th District of Louisiana in the U.S. House. She serves as Louisiana's only member on the House Appropriations Committee.