WASHINGTON -- United States Senator Mary Landrieu, D-La., today commented on a $162 investment in Louisiana Army Corps of Engineers projects from the Recovery Act. These projects are shovel-ready and will create and retain Louisiana jobs.

"This is a critical investment in shovel-ready projects across Louisiana that has the double benefit of helping us create and retain jobs," Sen. Landrieu said. "The majority of this additional investment is being directed toward routine but important Operation and Maintenance projects, such as dredging and navigation for our ports and waterways throughout Louisiana. I am committed to securing more funding for the Corps through the Energy and Water Appropriations bill of 2010, particularly for investments in new construction starts.

"Morganza to the Gulf is authorized but now it must be funded and built as quickly as possible. The cost of not building the Morganza to the Gulf hurricane protection project far outweighs any new price tag that the Corps has placed on this critical levee. I am also dedicated to the funding of coastal restoration projects from Cameron to Plaquemine. Restoring our coastal marshes, in conjunction with strengthening our levee system and improving our overall water management, is the key to protecting our communities from future flooding.

"Its also worth noting that 1$4.5 million has been allocated for two major projects that will improve levees and flood control in the Atchafalaya Basin, which has not gotten as much attention as it deserves. I am happy to see that money included. In addition, the $13.9 million for the Calcasieu Ship Channel for Southwest Louisiana is important to the ongoing effort to improve and strengthen port operations there."

Three critical construction projects will also receive Recovery Act funds: the East Baton Rouge Sewer, the Iberia Parish Sewer and LaRose to Golden Meadow Levees. These projects were identified because they could begin with no delay. Many of the other projects for construction are hurricane protection projects in the New Orleans region, and have been fully funded through supplemental appropriations acts passed by Congress after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Work on these projects is underway.

Operation and Maintenance project highlights

These projects include dredging, repairs to small flood control projects, maintenance and repairs to essential locks and dams along waterways, significant investment the in Atchafalaya Basin for improving flood control and ecosystem improvement. Of the total $150 million for Operations and Maintenance, $95 million will go to components of 13 major Louisiana projects within the Mississippi River and Tributaries program. The remaining $55.2 million will go toward components of 10 major Louisiana projects under the Corps' general jurisdiction at the New Orleans and Vicksburg District.

• Atchafalaya Basin and Floodway: $14.5 million for two major projects that will improve levees, flood control structures, navigation, and the basin's ecosystem; this project affects Pointe Coupee, St. Landry, St. Martin, Iberia, St. Mary, Iberville, Assumption, and St. Martin.

• Morganza to the Gulf: $3 million to expedite the Post Authorization Change Report required to advance this project to construction

• Mississippi River from Baton Rouge to the Gulf: $20 million for deep draft navigation dredging

• Calcasieu Ship Channel: $13.9 million for operation and maintenance

• Bayou Lafourche: $5 million for dredging and replacement of jetties

• Gulf Intercoastal Waterway in New Orleans: $3 million to improve navigation

• J. Bennett Johnston Waterway (Northwest Louisiana): $5 million for dredging and navigation

• Old River Control Structure: $7.8 million to stabilize and maintain the life of the lock structure

Construction projects - $11 million will go toward Louisiana construction projects including:

• East Baton Rouge Sewer Project: $750,000

• Iberia Parish Waste Water Treatment: $4 million

• LaRose to Golden Meadow Hurricane Protection project: $6.2 million.