Bobby Jindal: “This bill not only expands the preserve by over 3,900 acres, but it does a lot to protect Louisiana's important…”

“This bill not only expands the preserve by over 3,900 acres, but it does a lot to protect Louisiana's important wetlands. Studies by our scientists have shown, since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the importance of wetlands as natural hurricane buffers which protect our levees. While these wetlands cannot prevent the devastating effects of major hurricanes like Katrina and Rita, they are known to significantly reduce the storm surges associated with the more frequent tropical storms and smaller hurricanes. They absorb the energy. They reduce the hurricane surges, and as a result, they reduce some of the loss from the open water. Some experts believe that for every linear mile of wetlands, 2 to 4 miles of coastal wetlands reduces storm surge by a foot. Anybody that saw the devastating flooding last year caused by Katrina and Rita certainly understands why this is so important.”