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.

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Letter to New Orleans Business and Industrial District (NOBID); RE: Race Track in New Orleans East

CERTIFIED MAIL RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED April 27, 2000

Speedway Task Force
c/o Chairman Ashton Ryan - CEO
First Bank & Trust
909 Poydras Street Suite 100
New Orleans, LA 70128

New Orleans Business and Industrial District (NOBID)
c/o Eugene Green, Pres.
12801 Old Gentilly Road
New Orleans, LA 70129

RE: Race Track in New Orleans East

Dear Gentlepersons:

Please be advised I represent Save Our Wetlands, Inc. (SOWL) consisting of over 1,200 citizens, residing mostly in Orleans Parish, and many in the New Orleans East area concerning the above captioned. SOWL has always been committed to preserving the wetlands and estuaries of New Orleans (See SOWL Fact Sheet enclosed).

As reported in the Times-Picayune on March 29th and April 2, 2000, the New Orleans Speedway Task Force will evaluate the feasibility of a speedway plan that will bring cigarette/alcohol sponsored, air, land and water polluting sports car races to New Orleans East.

SOWL has the following objections and requests that these concerns be included in your administrative agency's record at this time:

1. SOWL is committed to protecting the sovereignty and sanctuary of the Bayou Sauvage Wildlife Refuge Center. There is a 2,909 acre tract adjacent to the Refuge Center. SOWL's research has discovered the following information regarding this area:

   1. This tract has 500-600 years old cypress trees. There are bald eagles presently nesting in this site. It is a pristine and one of the last remaining Hardwood Habitats left in Louisiana, and it is a critical habitat site for Swallow Tail Kites. There are wild deer on the property. This site is on the authorized boundary expansion of the United States Bayou Sauvage Refuge Center. This 2,909 acre tract added to the Bayou Sauvage Refuge Center will give New Orleans the world's largest urban eco-park in the entire world. Eco-tourism will prosper in this area as long as it is not destroyed by ill conceived developments such as the speedway project.
   2. SOWL's position is this site is not appropriate for a sports car race track because of its close proximity to the Bayou Sauvage Refuge Center. In this regard SOWL brings to your attention 50 Code of Federal Regulations sections 27 to 34.
   3. Also, any decision by any elected official to develop this site into a racetrack will be considered by SOWL to be an outrageous violation of the Louisiana Public Trust Doctrine. SOWL is also prepared to insure that all aspects of the Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act and all applicable municipal, state and federal laws are strictly enforced in this matter.

2. Many members of SOWL reside in the New Orleans East area. As you are aware, the sound impact of the proposed speedway activities would be heard for several miles. Louisiana Civil Code prohibits any public nuisance. SOWL's intention is to enforce all aspects of the Louisiana Civil Code in this matter;
3. SOWL opposes elected officials who inappropriately spend and pledge millions of visitor generated and taxpayers' dollars, to promote an industry that will spew immeasurable amounts of toxic material into the land, air and water. Likewise, SOWL opposes elected officials who promote the cigarette/alcohol industries that kill millions of people worldwide annually;
4. SOWL questions the legality of appropriating public bond monies for NOBID, and the other possible violations including the infringement of due process and equal protection rights of other taxpayers in the various districts of this City;
5. SOWL is of the opinion that Governor Foster, now a Speedway Task Force member, is in the process of using his agencies, powers and taxpayer monies to destroy the public owned natural resources of this state, in violation of Louisiana's Public Trust Doctrine, Civil Code and Constitution.
6. SOWL insists all FEMA obligations be met.

The State of Louisiana, and all her agencies, including yours, should not use public monies to promote special industrial-polluting corporate privileges, resulting in the rape of our Louisiana air, wetlands and waters, but preserve and protect Louisiana's precious natural resources.

Sincerely,

Save Our Wetlands, Inc.

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Further Reading:

1. November 20, 2006 - Track Owner Has Questions About Proposed Race Track In New Orleans East
2. November 13, 2006 - To Louisiana State Bond Commission; RE: Proposed Drag Race Track In New Orleans East
3. November 13, 2006 - Drag Race Track Proposed In East - City Government Arm Gives Preliminary OK
4. February 13, 2001 - Largest Urban Wildlife Refuge In U.S. Threatened By Motorsports Speedway
5. April 27, 2000 - To New Orleans Business and Industrial District (NOBID), RE: Race Track in New Orleans East