Latest news: June 29, 2012

BP’s fines for oil spill appear headed back to Gulf Coast states
By Richard Simon, The Los Angeles Times. June 28, 2012.
“WASHINGTON — Two years after the worst offshore oil spill in U.S. history, Congress is poised to steer a large chunk of the fines that will be paid by BP — up to $21 billion by one estimate — to the Gulf Coast to help restore coastal ecosystems and rebuild economies in the region…” (Read more)

Big Win for Outdoorsmen: Senate Moves to Pass RESTORE Act
By Gerry Bethge, Outdoor Life. June 28, 2012.
“It’s been seven years since Hurricane Katrina devastated southern Louisiana, and two since the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion threatened to throw a knock-out punch to North America’s most fertile waters and wetlands. At long last, it seems as if recovery help is on the way thanks to the unified voices of Vanishing Paradise, a coalition of more than 700 national, state and local hunting and fishing organizations led by the National Wildlife Federation…” (Read more)

Levee project canceled over high cost
By Nikki Buskey, The Houma (La.) Courier. JUne 28, 2012.
“A major levee project that could have protected some central and north Lafourche communities from storm surge was canceled by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wednesday because of the cost…” (Read more)

Vendors at State of the Coast conference test the Louisiana market
By Mark Schleifstein, The Times-Picayune (New Orleans). June 28, 2012.
“Steve Miller traveled to New Orleans this week on the chance that someone from a Louisiana coastal community might stop by his booth at the State of the Coast conference to ask him about how Ellicott Dredges might help them rebuild coastal wetlands. “I read about the show and saw it as a real opportunity, but had no real preconceived notions that I’d be down here selling dredges,” Miller said…” (Read more)