Morganza Spillway to Open, Louisiana Congressman Jeff Landry Responds

Statement

As the representative for Louisiana's Atchafalaya Basin, Congressman Jeff Landry (R, LA-03) released the following statement in response to the announcement that the Morganza Spillway will be opened on Saturday:

"The inevitable is now official.

The Corps has announced that Mississippi River conditions will force them to open the Morganza Spillway tomorrow afternoon. The opening of Morganza reminds us that the River is bigger than us all and that the opening is necessary to prevent greater, uncontrolled flooding in the Atchafalaya Basin and destruction of communities along the Mississippi River.

As I continue to pray for General Walsh, Colonel Fleming, and all Corps officials to have the strength and wisdom they need to continue in their selfless service to the people of Louisiana, I remind them that our first job as public servants is inform the people of the Atchafalaya Basin in a timely and complete fashion so they can make the decisions that are best for them and their families.

I remind my friends and neighbors in the Basin that now is the time to put in place your emergency plan. While the Corps is only opening a small amount of the Spillway right now and the flood waters will not immediately be seen, more of the Spillway will soon be opened and waters will rise. Please take appropriate steps now.

As always, my staff and I are here to assist in any way we can. I encourage everyone who has internet access to go to my website, www.landry.house.gov, and utilize the web links on flooding updates and helpful information.

Together, we will get through this flood fight."

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