$255 million coastal restoration plan gets federal OK

WASHINGTON -- Louisiana's hopes for repairing and restoring its tattered coast took a major step forward Thursday as the Bush administration approved the state's plan to use $255 million in federal money for more than 100 conservation and diversion projects, including major efforts in the New Orleans area.

Louisiana's share is based largely on the royalty revenue from oil and
gas production off its shores, MMS spokeswoman Eileen Angelico said.