Latest Mississippi River Delta News: Dec. 11, 2013

Obama administration issues OK for Morganza to the Gulf hurricane protection, but project still faces hurdles
By Bruse Alpert, The Times-Picayune (New Orleans, La.). Dec. 10, 2013.
“Jo-Ellen Darcy, the civilian head of the Army Corps of Engineers, on Tuesday issued a “record of decision,” signaling the Obama administration’s clearance for the $10.3 billion Morganza to the Gulf hurricane protection project…” (read more)

Morganza project still under consideration in Congress
By Jordan Blum and Amy Wold, The Advocate (Baton Rouge, La.). Dec. 11, 2013.
“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Obama administration gave final clearance Tuesday for the $10 billion Morganza-to-the-Gulf flood protection project in southern Louisiana…” (read more)

Oil discovered on local beach
By Jacob Batte, The Houma Courier (Houma, La.). Dec. 10, 2013.
“Cleanup is underway after tons of oily material was found along Fourchon Beach. About 29 tons of oily material was found after Tropical Storm Karen in October, the Coast Guard said. After that, workers scoured other areas of the beach and found more…” (read more)

Judge dismisses some manslaughter charges against two BP rig supervisors in Deepwater Horizon disaster
By Associated Press. Dec. 10, 2013.
“A federal judge has agreed to dismiss some of the manslaughter charges against two BP rig supervisors charged in the deaths of 11 workers in the Deepwater Horizon disaster…” (read more)

Defense seeks mistrial for former BP engineer, objects to prosecutor’s questioning of witness
By Associated Press. Dec. 10, 2013.
“Attorneys for a former BP drilling engineer have asked the judge in the case to declare a mistrial. In a filing Tuesday, Kurt Mix’s attorneys argued a prosecutor’s questioning of a witness on Monday amounted to injecting unsupported accusations of misconduct against Mix…” (read more)