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BATON ROUGE, L.A. – Today, Congressman Troy A Carter Sr., alongside Governor Jon Bel Edwards, Southern University Chairman Edwin Shorty, and Southern University President-Chancellor Ray Belton, announced $7.62 million in funding for the Southern University Ravine Protection project in East Baton Rouge Parish.
This federal grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service will be awarded to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) for the $35 million Bayou Baton Rouge erosion improvement project to preserve Southern University’s ravine. The storm runoff and river fluctuations are eroding the bank of the bluff adjacent to the university, endangering the school’s facilities, utilities, the historic oaks, as well as the safety of students, staff, and community members who visit the area. The estimated value of infrastructure that would be damaged by unmitigated erosion is $43 million.
“This is more than funding for a drainage project, this is a move that will protect and shore up this historic HBCU for the next generation,” said Congressman Carter. “This $7.62 million investment from the USDA’s Emergency Watershed Protection Program that I secured will do more than put a band-aid on this problem, it will be a long-term solution to protect Southern University — and this beautiful community space — from tumbling down the bluff. This is yet another example of this Congress and the federal government showing up to invest like never before in infrastructure solutions for the people of Louisiana.”
“Investing in our state’s infrastructure is a top priority and funding plays a critical role in its preservation and expansion,” said Gov. Edwards. “This administration has committed ourselves to not only securing additional funding on the state level, but also on the federal level to provide quality infrastructure projects throughout the state. I would like to express my gratitude to our congressional officials and want to thank Congressman Carter for his continued support to improve Louisiana’s infrastructure and to DOTD who applied, and was awarded this grant.”
Congressman Carter has been at the center of this effort at the federal level, as he provided guidance to DOTD for this funding opportunity to support Southern University and the Bayou Baton Rouge watershed. Partnering with DOTD, Congressman Carter led the effort in Washington to ensure that the plan advanced by DOTD was approved by the USDA.
This project will construct permanent erosion control measures to stabilize the ravine, which is the outfall to an approximate 852-acre watershed of Bayou Baton Rouge along the Mississippi River. This project will consist of addressing the retaining wall at the ROTC complex, tying in the emergency work at the Health Services Center, installing a weir system to control river flow, improve erosion mitigation through channel alignment modifications and covering the entire ravine from F Street to the new weir system with block matting.
In a continued effort to combat the erosion issues along this ravine, DOTD has spent $9 million in 2019 to construct permanent erosion control and improve drainage at the F and H Street crossings. In 2021, through an emergency declaration by Governor John Bel Edwards, DOTD expended $3 million for an emergency repair project, which is currently under construction.
Preconstruction began in September 2021, and full construction is expected to begin in fall 2024 and last for approximately two years.
These funds are coming to DOTD alongside the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which will bring over $7 billion back to Louisiana. Over $2.3 billion has already been allocated to the state since the legislation was signed into law in November, 2021.
Photos or video from the press conference will be available here for download following the event.
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NEW ORLEANS, L.A. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. released the following statement after the heinous shooting in his district at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, LA.
“Today there was another senseless loss of life to gun violence at the Morris Jeff graduation taking place on Xavier’s campus.”
“This must stop!”
“We cannot be a community divided on this issue. It’s time for federal, state, and local partners to join together to find real solutions. This is an issue of life!”
“While no Xavier students were involved, I feel comfortable as part of the Xavier family saying firmly that there is no place at Xavier or in this community or anywhere in our country for heinous actions like these.”
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NEW ORLEANS —
After news broke April 23 of three kids swept away by the Mississippi River's current, emotions overwhelmed U.S. Rep. Troy Carter.
Carter is from Algiers, where the kids — 8-year-old Ally Wilson-Berry, 14-year-old Brandy Wilson and 15-year-old Kevin Poole — lived. As a child, he occasionally dipped into the river, just like those kids did, underestimating the river's might.
"It's something we shouldn't have done, something that no one should ever do," Carter said in an interview Thursday. "It's important that we get that message out now."
The three kids' deaths inspired the congressman's latest piece of legislation. His amendment to the annual Water Resources and Development Act funding bill would bolster protections along the river's banks. It would task the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which oversees the river's levee systems, with reviewing potential safety threats and installing technology to bolster protections.
"This gives us an opportunity to be equipped with siren systems that will alert us if someone should fall in, plus fencing where appropriate to make sure people don't get too close," Carter said. "We have to do better."
The extent of the Army Corps' work and projected costs remain unclear. But the mother of Ally and Brandy hopes Congress will act.
"It's time for us to change," Octavia Wilson said. "It's time for us to come together."
NEW ORLEANS, L.A. -- Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. released the following statement in response to President Biden’s Executive Order on police reform, actions announced on the second anniversary of the murder of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis.
“While the Senate is unable to move important policing reform legislation, today, on the second anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, President Biden took the bold executive action to institute policing reform that will help build public trust while strengthening public safety.
“I’ve long talked about smart funding the police, and these are the types of actions I’ve been speaking about. Body cameras, banning choke holds, identifying the bad police officers, and providing increased training will make a real difference. Importantly, this executive order will help recruit and retain good police officers while ensuring officers’ physical and mental health are supported.
“Incidents like the murders of George Floyd and Ronald Greene here at home have forced Black parents to have conversations like the ones I must have with my sons. I counsel my sons that if they interact with police to just make it home so that I can fix it in the morning. These actions will help move the country to a place where no parent need have these conversations, and will help save lives while laying the path toward true public safety.
“While today’s Executive Order is a powerful step, it isn’t the end of the fight for justice in policing for all. I will stay in the fight as long as it takes.”
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NEW ORLEANS, L.A. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. released the following statement after the terrible attack on Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas that killed at least 21 people, including 19 students under the age of ten.
“For far too long many have stared at horror in the world and looked away. Many offer thoughts and prayers to soothe the unimaginable pain and anguish felt by the loved ones of the children lost yesterday, their community, and the world. As a man of faith, I join the community of Uvalde in their sorrow and offer them my prayers and love.
“As a Congressman, however, I won’t look away from the simple fact that this isn’t an isolated incident. The United States of America is the only country in the world where this happens on a regular basis. It’s time to take common sense steps to stop this senseless slaughter of our children. Expanded background checks, red flag laws, and other simple policy changes are low hanging fruit.
“For those offering thoughts and prayers alone, 2 Corinthians 13:5 says, ‘Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? — Unless indeed you fail to meet the test!’
“Colleagues we must meet the test. We must act.”
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Congressman Troy Carter accompanied US Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm on her trip to Louisiana Tuesday, touring the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in Bayou Choctaw and GE’s Wind Turbine facility at the Michoud Assembly in New Orleans. Carter said it’s important to show how Louisiana is using resources to create green energy.
“Because she gets to go back to the White House and talk about things that she saw. Conversations that we had with local and state officials are all valuable for the overall think tank of what we do in Congress and how we coordinate with the White House,” said Carter.
There’s been a lot of focus on petroleum reserve sites recently as the Russian invasion of Ukraine is causing record-high prices at the pump. Carter said the tour of the reserve in Iberville Parish was illuminating.
“Talk about the technologies that hold a quarter of reserve for the national security of our country. It was very insightful to visit with those professionals,” said Carter.
Carter said Louisiana is poised to be a leader in wind turbine energy with the plant strategically located near major ports and just offshore to proposed wind turbine placement in the Gulf.
“It provides a great opportunity for Louisiana to be again a major player on a global stage for energy production but from a clean, green source,” said Carter.
Governor John Bel Edwards and Congressman Garret Graves also accompanied Granholm on her tour.
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)— The Mississippi is the lifeblood of our region and a significant economic engine. But the last 3 weeks have shown that this river can be very dangerous to people that live nearby.
The loss of 3 young lives to the dangerous currents prompted Congressman Troy Carter to propose an amendment hoping to get the Army Corps of Engineers to improve safety along the banks of the Mississippi.
According to Carter, “(The amendment aims) to make sure that employs modern technologies like sirens, call boxes, signage, fencing where possible. To put those things in action so no other family has to suffer the tragedy of losing loved ones.”
That amendment passed and now heads to the full house for debate. As for Ally Wilson-Berry, and her family today was a special day at her school.
Ally’s mother, Octavia Wilson, stated, “It’s a celebration. That’s why I came here to celebrate. Today would have been the day that my baby graduated and she’s going to go to the big school. And that’s all she talked about ‘I’m going to the big school.”
Dozens of families joined Wilson-Berry’s for their second grade graduation. While it was a day of celebration, this day was also filled with emotion.
“It’s a struggle everyday knowing that I’m in my home without my two baby girls, but I will not let them fade away. I will not let ’em fade away. I will do any and everything I can as a mother to keep them alive. Even though they’re not here, they’re here in spirit,” said Wilson.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the two members from Louisiana on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D, LA-02) and Congressman Garret Graves (R, LA-06) partnered to successfully advance several bipartisan amendments and funding priorities in the markup of the Water Resources and Development Act of 2022 (WRDA).
WRDA is a bill passed by every session of Congress that authorizes and funds the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers activities for flood control, navigation, and ecosystem restoration. Louisiana’s Second and Sixth Congressional Districts – those represented by Congressman Carter and Graves, respectively – makes up more than one third of all U.S. Army Corps project authorizations in the nation.
“Water is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, public health, and environment,” said Congressman Carter. “In Louisiana we also know that we must plan comprehensively to safely manage water in our communities. WRDA 2022 is the mechanism Congress uses to build a stronger, healthier, water system for our nation. As we try to untangle our supply chains and navigate threats from climate change, we can’t delay critical water management, port upgrades, environmental, or safety projects. I am proud to have achieved meaningful bipartisan successes for Louisiana in this legislation alongside Congressman Graves, and I look forward to voting for its passage in the House.”
“Congressman Carter hit the ground running with us right after Hurricane Ida,” said Congressman Garret Graves. “We saw the devastating consequences of disasters in our community and committed to do all we can to protect and restore our region. This bill represents a number of good wins for the citizens of Louisiana and there will be more to come.
Yesterday, Congressman Carter and Congressman Graves successfully worked on a bipartisan basis on the following elements of the final WRDA bill passed by the committee:
- An amendment clarifying that the U.S. Army Corps should fund and continue paused ecosystem restoration and construction work to protect coastal habitat and communities on the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet (MRGO).
- The LMR Comprehensive Management Study was authorized within the bounds of the Mississippi River & Tributaries project with a 100% federal cost share.
- Authorized a project for hurricane and storm damage risk reduction for the Upper Barataria Basin and for South Central Coastal Louisiana.
- Authorized project modifications to Lake Pontchartrain & Vicinity (LPV) and West Bank & Vicinity (WBV).
- Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study on projects and activities to mitigate fish and wildlife losses resulting from the construction, or operation and maintenance, of an authorized water resources development project.
- Amends section 2010 by extending the authority to transfer excess credits by ten years from its current expiration in June 2024.
- Provide construction authorization for Port Fourchon Belle Pass Deepening Dredge Material Management Plan.
- Increased the cost cap for the Baton Rouge Environmental Assistance project to $90 million.
- Authorized $36 million for St John, St Charles, and St James Parishes to plan, design, and construct comprehensive water and wastewater treatment facilities.
- Authorized $70 million for St. Charles, St. Bernard, and Plaquemines Parishes for water related infrastructure.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, of which Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. is a member, conducted its markup of the 2022 Water Resources and Development Act (WRDA). WRDA is a bill passed every session of Congress that authorizes and funds the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers activities for flood control, navigation, and ecosystem restoration across the nation, with a large presence in Louisiana.
Ultimately, the final version passed included Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr.’s amendment to improve safety along the banks of the Mississippi River, especially in light of the recent tragic drowning of three children who resided in his home community of Algiers, New Orleans.
“On behalf of my constituents, I am grateful that my amendment, the Recreation Hazards of the Banks of the Mississippi River Study, was included in the 2022 WRDA bill,” said Congressman Carter. “My constituents deserve to enjoy the majesty of our Mississippi River without fearing for their safety. I offered this amendment in memory of the children who tragically lost their lives. I believe we need to improve the insufficient measures needed to alert the public of the hazards along the riverbank and dangerous river conditions. I hope this amendment will help ensure no other lives are lost and greatly minimize threats to the life and safety of all who enjoy the banks of the Mississippi River.”
To Congressman Carter this issue is personal.
“Growing up as a child in Algiers, I spent the summers swimming in the river because we had no public pools in my area, and I’m lucky to have made it out safely,” said Congressman Carter. “I will continue my career-long effort to encourage more recreational facilities where our young people can recreate and refresh, but as we continue that effort I am grateful that this study will offer the maximum safety to all who would enjoy the Mississippi River.”
Specifically, if passed the Carter amendment would do the following:
- Require the Secretary of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to carry out a review of potential threats to human life and safety from use of designated recreational areas along the banks of the Mississippi River in Louisiana;
- Then, it would require the Army Corps to install any technologies or other measures, sirens, strobe lights, or signage at such recreational areas that the Secretary, based on the review, determines necessary for alerting the public of hazardous water conditions or to otherwise minimize or eliminate any identified threats to human life and safety.
Since the levee system is under the U.S. Army Corps jurisdiction, much of the banks of the Mississippi River can be regulated through legislation under WRDA.
A video of the Congressman’s remarks in committee is available here, and you can read the text of the amendment here. The bill now heads to the full House for consideration.
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NEW ORLEANS, L.A. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. released the following statement after the Louisiana State legislature’s recent actions to try and further restrict reproductive rights and take away control from women and people in Louisiana. These bills would, among other things: classify abortion from the moment of fertilization as homicide, with no exception for rape, incest, or ectopic pregnancies where the mother’s life is in danger.
“As the highest-ranking Pro-Choice official from Louisiana, I cannot be silent when my constituents are being threatened with legislation that would criminalize bodily autonomy, personal freedom and choice.
“This bill and this wider debate is not about life, it’s about control. If it were truly about life, Louisiana would be investing in prenatal care, early childhood education, food assistance, universal pre-K, and other policies that improve outcomes for children.
“Instead of investing in children after they are born, this bill would establish a pregnancy to prison pipeline, punishing Louisianians for exercising control over their own bodies.
“This legislation is a terrifying example of a post-Roe future for my constituents. In Congress, I will do all I can to codify access to the full complement of reproductive healthcare and put an end to devastating policy proposals like this.
“I call on my friends and former colleagues in the state legislature to vote against this dangerous bill that would strip away personal liberties and freedoms from the people of Louisiana.”
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NEW ORLEANS, L.A. -- Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. presented the President and representatives from Xavier University of Louisiana with a $2.5 million dollar check to jumpstart the university's renovations for a new STEM and Pre-Health student advising center in the historic St. Michael's Dormitory.
"I am so proud to have secured $2.5 million for Xavier University of Louisiana’s new STEM and Pre-Health Advising Center in the historic St. Michael’s Hall as one of my federal community funding projects," said Congressman Carter. "Representation matters more than ever, and HBCUs across the country can follow Xavier’s lead and help create a future where the doctors, nurses, technicians and scientists of our nation look like the Americans they serve. With this project here at St. Michael’s, I am confident we will make a positive difference in both the lives of students and in our greater community."
Thanks to this infusion of cash, St. Michael’s will be renovated to house a center for expanded pre-health advising, tutoring and career services on the ground floor. Additional funding will turn the upper two floors into new classrooms and labs for STEM education, and there will be historical markers and other artifacts honoring the Freedom Riders throughout the space.
President Reynold Verrett, Xavier University students, and members of the City Council were able to attend the event.
Videos and photos from the press conference are available here.
This is one of nine Community Funding Projects that Congressman Troy Carter advocated for and brought back to the 2nd Congressional District. These investments help increase livability, public health, research and education in the community, totaling $31.5 million across all projects.
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