United States Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa P. Jackson today continued their study of the Dutch integrated water management system at The Hague and the Dutch Parliament.

Today's discussions at The Hague included briefings on national water management policy and practices, adapting to the river and building with nature. As one of Europe's "drains," the Netherlands shares many of Louisiana's challenges with water. "The Dutch are teaching us that we do not have to retreat from the water," Sen. Landrieu said. "They are taking land back from the water. They are on the offensive, not the defensive.

"It is clear that we need the same national commitment to our coastal communities' protection that is ingrained in the culture of the Netherlands. I am working to get Congress to understand the commitment we need."

The Dutch continue to commit billions of their country's resources to water management. Robert Turner, Regional Director of the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority, said that by contrast, his levee board spends $25 to $28 million on protecting the 220 miles of levees in the New Orleans region east of the Mississippi River.

Louise Fresco, a professor at Wageningen University, explained that the second Delta Commission, of which she is a member, is part of the Netherlands' national strategy to protect the country. As the nation reevaluates its protection system, the Netherlands is looking toward "dikes of the future," where multi-functional dikes can support housing, industry and recreation.

"Can we actually save the Netherlands?" Professor Fresco asked the group. "Our answer is yes; we can continue to live safely." "The Netherlands is fighting to protect its entire country," Sen. Landrieu said. "I am fighting to protect our entire state and coast from Cameron to Plaquemines. As America's Energy Coast, we serve the energy needs of the nation. Our energy infrastructure and unique culture deserve the attention of the rest of the country."

Following the visit at The Hague, the delegation met with members of the Dutch Parliament on relevant committees, such as Mr. Rikus Jager, Chairman of the Permanent Committee of Transport, Public Works and Water Management of the second Chamber of Parliament. The Dutch are working toward upgrading their system to protect from the 30,000-year flood.

The current system protects from the 10,000-year flood. "This is a better war to fight than all the other wars in the world," said Chairman Jager said. "This is a conflict we can succeed in, but we've got to work together. If Katrina would have surprised us as it surprised you, we may have lost 11 million people and two thirds of our country."

Sen. Landrieu and members of Parliament discussed establishing a permanent dialogue with the Dutch so that research and best practices can continue to be shared.

"We need to exchange knowledge and experiences," said Vice Minister of Transport, Public Works and Water Management Tineke Huizinga. "My visit to New Orleans, your visit here and the continuation of our relationship with the U.S. is an important factor in this exchange."

New Orleans City Council President Jackie Clarkson spoke of the commitment of the people of New Orleans to rebuilding stronger and better than before the storms.

"The spirit of the people of New Orleans is not under water," she said.

Following the discussions with members of Parliament, the delegation toured Dutch landscapes that have various water management problems, including subsidence. The tour also showed examples of coastal protection that include elements of housing, recreation, infrastructure, industrial buildings and ecology.

Photographs are available for publication:

* Sen. Landrieu and Vice Minister of Transport, Public Works and Water Management Tineke Huizinga talk about the Dutch-American partnership in managing water: http://landrieu.senate.gov/media/09.05.27_Netherlands2.jpg

*At the Dutch Parliament, from left to right: Sen. Landrieu; Mr. Rikus Jager, Chairman of the Permanent Committee of Transport, Public Works and Water Management of the second Chamber of Parliament; Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson: http://landrieu.senate.gov/media/09.05.27_Netherlands3.jpg

*Mr. Rikus Jager and Sen. Landrieu talk about the outstanding accomplishments of Dutch water management, and forging partnerships with political leaders in the Netherlands: http://landrieu.senate.gov/media/09.05.27_Netherlands4.jpg

*Sen. Landrieu and Louise Fresco, a professor at Wageningen University and a member of the second Delta Commission, talk to the Louisiana delegation about Dutch systems: http://landrieu.senate.gov/media/09.05.27_Netherlands5.jpg