At the 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Tell the Army Corps to Restore the Wetlands Destroyed by the MRGO Shipping Channel

The Mississippi River Gulf Outlet (MRGO) was a federal shipping channel in Louisiana that damaged over a MILLION ACRES of coastal habitat like wetlands and cypress swamps–jeopardizing coastal wildlife and communities. The channel and the loss of surrounding wetlands played a significant role in catastrophic flooding during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. After the hurricane, Congress mandated the channel to be closed and the Army Corps to restore the damaged wetlands. The MRGO channel is now closed, but we’re still waiting twenty years later for these crucial wetlands to be restored.

It’s time to right the wrong. Tell the Army Corps of Engineers that they must prioritize wetland restoration to address damages from the MRGO shipping channel.

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Army Corps of Engineers

At the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, I’m asking that you finally address the deadly and destructive impacts of the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet (MRGO) shipping channel by restoring the wetlands impacted by the federal channel.

MRGO played a significant role in the catastrophic destruction in Louisiana during Katrina. The deep channel allowed salt water flow into the surrounding wetlands and cypress swamps–disrupting the ecological balance. It ultimately destroyed more than a million acres of wildlife habitat that provided a natural storm buffer for coastal communities. It took the deadly disaster incurred during Hurricane Katrina to finally close the channel to navigation.

You have an opportunity to provide leadership to finally deliver results for communities devastated due to the MRGO and over a million people who depend on restored and healthy wetlands in the impacted area. At this milestone anniversary, your commitment to the following needs is critical:

1) $5 million in FY 26 work plan discretionary funding to advance design
2) FY 27 construction capability and funding
3) Real estate plan that allows use of long-term easements (20- to 50-years) where necessary to implement restoration

Without restoration, the loss of these vital wetlands will continue to pose a significant risk for wildlife and people. Enough time has been lost–restore the wetlands.

Sincerely, 
{user_data~First Name} {user_data~Last Name}

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