Looking into the future the Pelican feeding its young from a self-induced wound in its own
breast (as depicted, mysteriously, on the state flag of Louisiana) is accepted as an
appropriate symbol of both self-sacrifice and rebirth. Through his selfless efforts, man is
raised from the slavery of ignorance to the condition of freedom conferred by wisdom.
Given the current state of affairs in Louisiana, one hopes that the understanding of the Pelican
as a symbol shall point the way towards a new consciousness of ourselves as a whole, and lead us
to face our futures with strength, grace, wisdom and faith, to learn from our mistakes and carry
our successes and zest for living to future generations.
Letter to Jefferson Parish Council, Golf Coarse Development on Wetlands in Westwego, LA
March 28, 2001
Councilchair Aaron Broussard
Jefferson Parish Council
200 Derbigny Street
Gretna, LA 70053
Councilman Lloyd F. Giardina
Jefferson Parish Council-Dist. 2
200 Derbigny Street Gretna, LA 70053
Councilman Edmond J. Muniz
Jefferson Parish Council Dist. 4
200 Derbigny Street Gretna, LA 70053
Councilman Nicholas Giambelluca, Sr.
Jefferson Parish Council Dist. 6
200 Derbigny Street Gretna, LA 70053
Councilman T. J. "Butch" Ward
Jefferson Parish Council-Dist. 1
200 Derbigny Street Gretna, LA 70053
Councilman Donald R. Jones
Jefferson Parish Council-Dist. 3
200 Derbigny Street Gretna, LA 70053
Councilman John T. Lavarine
Jefferson Parish Council-Dist. 5
200 Derbigny Street Gretna, LA 70053
RE: 250 acres of wetlands near Bayou Segnette State Park proposed to be developed into a $20 million golf club near Westwego. Corps Permit Application No. EB-19-980-2419 DEQWQC #990302-10
Dear Councilmembers:
Please be advised I represent Save Our Wetlands, Inc. (SOWL) consisting of over 1,200 Louisiana citizens outraged because of the rampant destruction of 250 acres of Louisiana wetlands in connection with the proposed golf course in Westwego, Louisiana.
SOWL would like to bring to your attention the fact that these wetlands can be restored to what they once were. This fact is stated in the attached report by Prof. R. Eugene Turner, Director of the Coastal Ecology Institute and Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences at Louisiana State University. Please review this report before making any drastic decisions as scheduled for April 4th concerning these wetlands.
SOWL would also like to make you aware that there are two suits pending in connection with this matter in the First Circuit Court of Appeals. The caption and numbers are "SOWL v. DEQ", No. 2000-CA-2809 and "SOWL v. Mark Drenner", 2001-CA-2039. These cases are ongoing in the appeals court.
SOWL is also aware that this golf course would cost the Parish some $700,000 to $800,000 per year for 30 years in bond debt. This, to those SOWL members in Jefferson Parish, is a figure which is exorbitant and not acceptable.
There are millions of dollars available to purchase and/or restore wetlands such as these under Senator Breaux's Coastal Wetland Protection Preservation Act. SOWL requests that you not permit this golf course to be built on Louisiana's remaining precious wetlands and that any monies the Parish has or will have should be used to restore them back to what they once were.
Sincerely,
Save Our Wetlands, Inc.
cc: Ken Stewart, Esq.
Arthur Lemann, Esq.
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