Funding approved to help Coast recover from Bonnet Carre opening

The government is now stepping in to help relieve some of the fishermen, marine life, and tourism issues left behind after 123 days of fresh water pouring into the Mississippi Sound.

Dr. Moby Solangi said, “It’s one of the worst disasters I’ve seen in my 40-year history.”

After more than 120 days of flooding the Mississippi Sound with fresh water, the Bonnet Carre Spillway is closed, leaving behind almost irreversible damage. “It is something that has had a very devastating effect on our marine resources, our tourism. So, by connecting the dots and saying what caused it, we are able to then say OK, maybe we should address these aspects to make sure our economy and marine resources are protected.”

Friday, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross granted Governor Phil Bryant’s earlier request for a Federal Fisheries Disaster Fund.

Institute for Marine Mammal Studies President Dr. Moby Solangi says it’s not a cure, but it’s a step toward recovery. “We’re going look at the live animals and their health. We’re going to do some forensic medical testing to see what happen and what can we do to prevent it.”

Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann said, “People on the Coast need to remember this is going to happen again. I’m not afraid to tee it up again. There is no reason why they don’t open Morganza. Morganza has only been open twice. Then the Bonnet Carre was open more than 120 days. In every five years, it’s not supposed to be open more than 90 days in five years.”

The new fund is set to go into effect this month to help restore our Gulf Coast.