WASHINGTON -- United States Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., today commented on the ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Standwood Duval that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were liable for damages caused by flooding associated with the failed operation and maintenance of the navigation canal called the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet (MRGO).

Though the judge granted six of the plaintiffs in this lawsuit a total of less than $750,000, tens of thousands of other property owners could be eligible for compensation due to the negligence of the Corps of Engineers. The decision only applies to the areas flooded by the MRGO, which is limited to New Orleans East and St. Bernard Parish, but the estimated 80,000 claims could result in hundreds of millions in damages owed by the Federal Government.

Sen. Landrieu said:

"Judge Duval's decision confirms what I and other leaders from Louisiana have been saying since the horrifying days following Hurricane Katrina: this was one of the most catastrophic natural and man-made disasters in American History.

"The finding that the Corps of Engineers was "grossly negligent" in its operation and maintenance of a federal navigable waterway has serious implications for all of coastal Louisiana, and the entire country. This nation has severely neglected its responsibilities when it comes to investing in critical infrastructure and it is costing us lives and billions of unnecessary dollars.

"Nearly all of the 80,000 homes in St. Bernard Parish and New Orleans East were raised to the ground by the flood waters that rushed through the MRGO. The devastation and loss of life, community and economic livelihood dealt a blow to this area, the likes of which have rarely been seen in this country.

"It is my sincere hope that this decision is upheld and the people of the region are finally vindicated and receive a full and just compensation from the U.S. Government for their damages. In the coming days, I will be working directly with President Obama to ensure that his administration understands the implications of this decision and the immediate need for the government to reach a final resolution for the people of New Orleans and St. Bernard Parish.

"This decision also confirms my belief that we need sweeping change to flood protection, coastal restoration, and water management for our cities, large and small, in Louisiana. The Corps of Engineers can no longer be relied upon as the lone agency charged with protecting our coastal communities. This fragile and unique delta is in a state of environmental, ecological and economic crisis and we need a new approach from the federal government to swiftly address these serious challenges.

"That is why President Obama has answered my call to get the federal government's house in order. He has convened an interagency task force to address the failings of the Corps and chart a new course for coastal protection and restoration in Louisiana. The findings of this group will inform specific executive and legislative actions to reform this process and provide a robust and long term implementation strategy to restore our wetlands and make our communities safer and more resilient.

"I call on the President to move his cabinet to immediate action and use this decision as an opportunity to avert future loss of life and expense to the Treasury. We cannot afford to wait for the next failure of our federal government to get it right. We have waited long enough."