WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured $3.5 million in the FY2019 agriculture appropriations bill to eradicate pests that are destroying Roseau cane, a giant wetland reed that covers a large portion of the Louisiana coast. Roseau cane plays an integral role in the Louisiana coastal ecosystem, but in recent years, certain insects have plagued and started killing the reeds.
Roseau cane provides many benefits to Louisiana by protecting the coast from storm surges and maintaining many of Louisiana’s navigational channels.
“Our coast in Louisiana is a sacred and beautiful part of our state’s history, economy and culture,” said Sen. Kennedy. “Roseau cane is vital to maintaining the integrity of our vibrant coastline, and we need to do everything we can to protect it. This funding will help quash the pests that are greedily gnawing away and destroying the Roseau cane reeds. I’m committed to saving Louisiana’s disappearing coast line, and securing this funding is a huge step in preserving our wetlands.”
