WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu's plan to upgrade Louisiana's storm and flood protection system came one step closer to reality last night when she won the support of the Energy and Water Conference Committee. Sen. Landrieu's provision, which calls on the Army Corps of Engineers to analyze and design a stronger storm protection system that can defend against a Category 5 hurricane, was included in the final version of the Energy and Water Appropriations bill that will be voted upon and sent to the President for his signature. The report was negotiated by leading members of both the Senate and House, including Sen. Landrieu, D-La.

"We were first offered a study that would take another year to complete, but we've spent too much time studying," said Sen. Landrieu. "We need a real state-of-the-art design in place to move forward. That's what we asked for and this week that is exactly what we got."

The committee agreed to accelerate the construction timetable by allocating an additional $8 million specifically for the analysis and design project. The provision also calls for the Corps to provide a preliminary report within six months of passage, and a final design within two years.

This project, following closely on the heels of the Senate passing $1.4 billion in funding for coastal restoration, will bring Sen. Landrieu's plan to provide world-class storm protection for Louisiana one step closer to fruition. Building a world-class hurricane and flood protection system is one of Sen. Landrieu's "Five Keys to Reopening Our Home."

These "Five Keys" represent the essential and interconnected priorities for rebuilding and recovery and include building smart-growth homes and neighborhoods, providing affordable and accessible health care, strengthening education systems through innovative approaches, and providing economic opportunity for all citizens.

"Unless the Federal Government is a full partner in building a world-class storm protection system, all of our other efforts will be for naught," Sen. Landrieu said. "Congress' endorsement of a comprehensive design is one more step in the right direction."

The conference report now moves back to the Senate and House where it is expected to pass. From there, the final bill will move to the President's desk where he can sign the bill into law.