Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve Boundary Adjustment Act of 2006

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for yielding me this time and for their support of this important legislation.

The legislation in its amended form on the House floor is now supported by not only the entire Louisiana delegation but the Jefferson Parish Council, the Town of Jean Lafitte, the Louisiana Wildlife Federation, the League of Women Voters, Marrero Land, as well as the Louisiana Audubon Council.

Now, I will just very briefly state for my colleagues why this is such an important bill for the State of Louisiana. This bill not only expands the preserve by over 3,900 acres, but it does a lot to protect Louisiana's important wetlands. Studies by our scientists have shown, since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the importance of wetlands as natural hurricane buffers which protect our levees.

While these wetlands cannot prevent the devastating effects of major hurricanes like Katrina and Rita, they are known to significantly reduce the storm surges associated with the more frequent tropical storms and smaller hurricanes. They absorb the energy. They reduce the hurricane surges, and as a result, they reduce some of the loss from the open water. Some experts believe that for every linear mile of wetlands, 2 to 4 miles of coastal wetlands reduces storm surge by a foot. Anybody that saw the devastating flooding last year caused by Katrina and Rita certainly understands why this is so important.

The preserve is a natural hurricane buffer that provides significant protection for the greater New Orleans area, particularly for the 500,000 residents of the west bank of Jefferson Parish.

I will close by saying this preserve in particular lies outside of the levees and so serves as a critical estuary for our wildlife, but also is a significant protection against hurricane and tidal surges.

I thank my colleagues for their support.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1515) to adjust the boundary of the Barataria Preserve Unit of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve in the State of Louisiana, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

H.R. 1515, introduced by Congressman Jindal, adjusts the boundary of the Barataria Marsh Unit of the Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve. The bill would expand the park boundary by 3,900 acres and increases the statutory acreage ceiling to 23,000 acres. Willing seller language has been extended to include all potential additions to the park. Most of the lands to be included in the park boundary are federally owned wetlands.

I urge the support of H.R. 1515.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the author of the bill, Mr. Jindal.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

(Ms. BORDALLO asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I would note that we are taking up H.R. 1515 when a Senate-passed measure, S. 207, sponsored by Senator Landrieu and dealing with the same subject, was referred to the Resources Committee well over a year ago. However, we will not object to the adoption of H.R. 1515 by the House today.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.