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: Louisiana State Bond Commission; RE: Proposed Drag Race Track In New Orleans East

Re: Drag Race track proposed in New Orleans east in vicnity of Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge Center

November 13, 2006
To: Louisiana State Bond Commission

Executive Staff: Debt Analysts:

Dear Gentle Persons,

Please be advised I represent Save Our Wetlands Inc.(SOWL) in opposition to the above captioned.

On Nov.13, 2006, it was reported in the New Orleans Times Picayune that the Industrial Development Board, an arm of city government, gave preliminary approval last week to two local developers plans to create a $36 million race track in a marshy area of New Orleans east. The developers now will approach the State Board Commission to authorize issuance of bonds to cover $33 million of the projected $36 million cost.

It just doesn't make financial sense to build a race track where the nature of the soil would add millions to the cost. How can you expect the public to support such a boondoogle project at a time when many thousands of New Orleanians still can't return to their homes because of infrastructure problems. The government will be asked to spend over a million dollars for roads in a flood plain directly adjacent to the hurricane funnel known as Mississippi River Gulf Outlet (MRGO).

SOWL has opposed proposed race track development in the floodplains of New Orleans east since 2000. A Drag Race Track with its devastating roar of noise and pollution will destroy the serenity and character of the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge Center.

In fact if SOWL had not stopped the proposed 28,000 Orlandia Subdivision in 1978, over 60,000 more homes would have been constructed in New Orleans east only to be eventually flooded by Hurricane Katrina.

As you are well aware, Louisiana corporate controlled politicians are always energetic to promote development in low lying areas extremely susceptible to hurricane tidal surges utilizing taxpayer's dollars, and this is a classic example. When the area is flooded Louisiana then screams to the U.S. Congress to bail them out. If you approve this project, it will be a hypocritical, nasty example to members of Congress to abandon us in our restoration efforts.

Hoping you will deny this ill, conceived project and not embarass and jeopardize our costal restoration efforts.

Sincerely yours,

SOWL Executive Attorney

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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