Kennedy meets with Bayou Region leaders to discuss coastal protection, economic growth

Madisonville, La. - Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, spoke with members of the Houma, Lafourche and Thibodaux Chambers of Commerce and the South Central Industrial Association about priorities for the Bayou Region, including coastal protection, flood insurance and economic growth.

Kennedy also met with Terrebonne Parish President Jason Bergeron and Lafourche Parish President Mitch Orgeron to discuss flood insurance, maritime infrastructure and permitting reform.

"I had a great time speaking with the good folks of Terrebonne and Lafourche. They've got plenty of common sense, and they know what their communities need. The Bayou Region is a powerhouse for Louisiana, and I'll keep fighting to protect these communities and help their businesses and families thrive," said Kennedy.

Kennedy has supported funding for several Bayou Region priorities, including:

• $245.47 million for 14 flood protection and coastal restoration projects across South Louisiana, including $131.5 million for Morganza to the Gulf, which will help protect approximately 200,000 people and 52,000 structures in Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes.

• $3.5 billion for the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund in the Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water bill- which is double the President's budget request. The fund supports the dredging and maintenance of navigation channels that Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes rely on to move cargo.

• More than $220 million in FEMA grants in 2026 for Hurricane Ida recovery projects in Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes.

• $1.65 million for the Houma Navigational Canal deepening project to continue design work to deepen the channel from 15 to 20 feet, allowing ships to carry more cargo.

Kennedy and the parish presidents also discussed the need to reform federal permitting rules to help Louisiana complete critical coastal protection, navigation, port, highway and energy projects more quickly. Kennedy introduced the SPEED Act to streamline the permitting process and help prevent unnecessary delays to important projects.