New Orleans, LA – Today, Congressman Anh “Joseph” Cao (LA-2) announced that BP will give Louisiana a total of $218 million for coastal restoration, seafood testing, and tourism marketing programs.
Cao said, “Having pushed BP for months to expedite recovery of the oil spill, I am delighted that BP will help with rebuilding efforts here at home, especially in regards to travel and tourism in Louisiana.”
While the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism will receive $30 million, and Louisiana seafood safety and promotion programs will receive $48 million. Another $140 million will be allotted for barrier islands and other coastal restoration efforts.
Cao said, “It is our obligation to continue looking for long- and short-term solutions in bettering our state’s economy, our coastline, and the lives of those affected by the spill. BP’s allocation of funds is a step in the right direction. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress, state officials, and federal leaders to keep holding BP accountable for damages from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Cao is a member of the Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus and has been a leader in post-spill efforts to repair oil spill-related damage to Louisiana's already-fragile coastline and its economy.
