Lafourche Debates Money For Wetlands Group

THIBODAUX, La. (AP) — A $20,000 allocation by Lafourche Parish government to a coastal advocacy group is being defended by Lafourche president Charlotte Randolph.

Earlier this month, council member Daniel Lorraine criticized the parish's $20,000 allocation to the group called Restore or Retreat after learning the group has more than $400,000 in savings.

Randolph defended the organization, noting it plays a role in assisting government coastal restoration and mitigation advocacy.

The Daily Comet reports that the council narrowly rejected Lorraine's proposal to rescind the most recent $20,000 appropriation.

Restore or Retreat Executive Director Simone Maloz said as a nonprofit, the group is required to keep some savings. She added the organization keeps savings to participate in unforeseen opportunities like financing a study or taking part in an expensive project.