Gulf Watch: Water bill veto override good news for La.

The first congressional veto override in President Bush's seven-year term is especially welcome news in Louisiana, which is set to receive almost 30 percent of the $23 billion allotted by the Water Resources Development Act.

According to an analysis published in today's New Orleans Times-Picayune, the legislation gives the state $6.9 billion -- including $1.9 billion for Louisiana coastal restoration projects and $986 million for hurricane protection work. The measure also includes money for closing the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet and for creating a Coastal Louisiana Ecosystem Protection and Restoration Task Force, among other things.

In more good news for Louisiana, the House yesterday overwhelmingly approved a compromise agreement on a non-war defense spending bill that provides $3 billion for the state's cash-strapped Road Home program. The Senate is expected to take up the measure soon.