Funding Announced for Dredging Projects & Community Health Centers in Acadiana

U.S. Representative Clay Higgins, who represents most of Acadiana in Congress, has announced federal funds that are being made available for dredging and waterway projects, as well as community health centers across the region.

First, over $600,000.00 is being made available in supplemental funding for three 3rd District community health centers as part of the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Health Center Cluster Program.

• Teche Action Board will receive $132,480.
• SWLA Center for Health Services will receive $199,500.
• Iberia Comprehensive Community Health Center will receive $271,680.

“Louisiana’s community health centers are critical providers of primary care services in our rural and underserved areas," said Rep. Higgins in a press release. "These investments help our local health centers perform and enable them to continue providing quality care for our communities.”

Also, nearly $75 million dollars is going to South Louisiana waterway projects as part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers FY 2021 Work Plan in order to operate and maintain these waterways.

• $22.992 million for the Atchafalaya River & Bayous Chene, Boeuf, and Black;
• $30,000 for the Bayou Teche and Vermilion River;
• $50,000 for the Bayou Teche;
• $43.496 million for the Calcasieu River & Pass;
• $7.577 million for Freshwater Bayou;
• $12.393 million for the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway; and
• $1.88 million for the Mermentau River.

Additionally, $9 million is going to Calcasieu River & Pass.

“The Corps’ 2021 Work Plan provides significant funding for dredging and waterway maintenance projects across South Louisiana," said Rep. Higgins. "Funding levels for the Atchafalaya and Calcasieu river projects represent a sizable increase over the President’s budget request and will help to better address dredging needs in those areas. Support for our ports and waterways remains a top infrastructure priority for my office.”