Water Policy at the Polls

Welcome to WaterMark, your monthly briefing on water programs and policies in Louisiana. As hurricane season draws to a close, we have an opportunity to look back on the events of the past month and decide how to best move forward to reduce flood risk in our region. With New Orleans voters preparing to go to the polls on November 18th to decide on a new mayor, it will be important to choose a candidate who understands water programs and policies. You can watch the latest mayoral debate on flood risk and adapting to coastal environmental change here.

Best,
Propeller + Water Works

Additional Resiliency Resources

• CPRA’s Flood Risk + Resilience Resources
• Joy of Water: A Homeowner’s Guide to Becoming Water Wise
• Flooding Fact Sheets for 2017 Elections

In The News

Water Policy with the Mayoral Candidates
The Lens, Times-Picayune
New Orleans residents will be voting for the first African-American woman mayor of the city, Desiree Charbonnet or Latoya Cantrell. Non-partisan groups have put together election factsheets and hosted mayoral forums (1,2) focused on flooding. Whoever wins it’s clear that they will have much to contend with water including oversight and transparency at the Sewerage and Water Board as it navigates a major transition, potential for a flood reduction fee, and climate change adaptations. 

Negotiations on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
New York Times, The Advocate, WWNO
Congress continues to attempt temporary fixes for the financially troubled National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). In September, the NFIP was reauthorized until December 8, 2017, allowing Congress more time to consider program reforms. Louisiana representative Steve Scalise made recent headway with a compromise to prevent policyholders with repetitive flood claims from being barred from the program, while raising their rates for future claims; however, other changes to the program are still being debated. NFIP reforms will have a major impact on Louisiana, including the Greater New Orleans region, which has some of the largest numbers of repetitive flood claims.

Louisiana faces unexpected shortfall in funding for coastal protection
The Lens
A shortfall in Louisiana’s share of offshore oil and gas royalties from the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) could severely affect coastal restoration projects according to the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. Revenue for 2018 will be half of what was expected by state officials — “Until recently, Louisiana anticipated a yearly payout of about $175 million, the maximum under the royalty-sharing agreement. The first major payment was to come next spring. Of that, $140 million would have gone to the coastal restoration authority. Now, the agency expects to receive just $60 million to $70 million. GOMESA is one of the largest sources of recurring funds dedicated to combating land loss in Louisiana.” For more see here. 

New Congressional Infrastructure Caucus Announced
Esty Press Release
Rep. Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) with Rep. John J. Duncan, Jr. (TN-2), Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18), and Rep. Garret Graves (LA-6), announced the formation of a new, bipartisan Congressional Infrastructure Caucus to focus on investment in the nation’s outdated roads, bridges, rails, airports, transit, wastewater systems, and drinking water. The caucus plans to work closely with Infrastructure Week, a roundtable of organizations from the business and labor communities including the Value of Water Campaign, on programming to advance a strong national infrastructure agenda. More information here.

More Water Headlines

• New Orleans can teach us about disaster response
• Our Vital, Vulnerable Coasts
• School drinking water will be tested for lead — after filters are installed
• Paul Habans Charter unveils the 1st ‘green schoolyard’ in New Orleans

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

• Plant 4 Peace NOLA Tree Planting | Nov. 9 at 9am; Volunteer opportunity for planting at the Bunny Friend Community Garden (1806 Gallier).
• FORESTival | Nov. 11 at 11am-5pm; A celebration of art and nature at A Studio in the Woods, 13401 Patterson Road, NOLA 70131. Event info here.
• Cook-off For the Coast | Nov. 18 at 11am-4pm; A family friendly tailgate party featuring free tastings from cook teams battling in a wild boar cooking competition. More information here.
• Michel Varisco’s “Turning” | November 18 at 2:30pm; Art installation unveiling on Lafitte Greenway at the intersection of Jefferson Davis Parkway and Lafitte Avenue.
• General Election | November 18 at 7am-8pm; Make sure to visit your polling place!