Wednesday Why: America Needs NOLA

New Orleans isn’t just a great place to listen to some fantastic music while kicking back with a bowl of gumbo. New Orleans is an an incredibly important city to the financial well being of the United States.

While New Orleans is well known for its seafood industry, it’s important to remember the importance of the many goods and materials that pass through its ports. The Port of New Orleans has been a center for International trade since 1718 when it was founded by the French.

According to a 2004 study conducted by Martin Associates, maritime activity within the Port of New Orleans is responsible for 160,498 jobs, $8 billion in earnings, $17 billion in spending and $800 million in taxes statewide.

Not only is New Orleans important to the nation, it’s important to us, too!

But, saving NOLA is just one reason to restore and protect coastal Louisiana. There are millions more. Check out Bayou Grace’s photo gallery and contribute to our project. Send your why to photoproject@bayougrace.org.

Stories Here Shouldn’t End in Tragedy

The amazing stories here should not end in Tragedy.

The Deepwater Horizon Gulf Oil Spill continues to be an environmental disaster of monumental proportions. One of the hardest hit areas is Coastal Louisiana and its effects are taking big tolls on the local economy.

After a year later, there are still long term effects from the oil spill. People are losing jobs; people’s health is being affected and so on. If you are interested in listening to some of the many stories, click here: http://www.nrdc.org/storycorps/

With the current Mississippi River situation, another hurricane season just around the corner and living life in the fastest disappearing place on the planet, there is another sense of urgency in people’s minds.

People’s voices need to be heard. The stories, the history, and the culture all need to be saved.

Participate in Bayou Grace’s photo project and let your voice be heard! Just send your photo to Photoproject@bayougrace.org