The release of the 2010 Census numbers has been bittersweet for Terrebonne Parish. As can be expected, the population of Terrebonne Parish grew at a reported 7% rate, to an estimated population of 111,860 residents. This placed us among the fastest growing parishes in coastal Louisiana. In fact, the population bases of Terrebonne and Lafourche derive the 5th largest metropolitan statistical area in the state. These numbers will shape the discussion of the redistricting of school board, parish council, local state elected offices, and congressional district boundaries. With this said, the population of the entire state of Louisiana only grew at 1.4%. Such low growth means that in the upcoming Congressional redistricting process, the state will lose one its coveted Congressional voices. Unfortunately, the 3rd Congressional District, which includes Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes, is rumored to be split.

The leaders of Terrebonne and Lafourche strongly believe that any redistricting plan that includes the separation of Terrebonne and Lafourche to be unacceptable. We feel that the similarities and the challenges that face our parishes demand that we keep a united voice in Washington.

It is not by accident Lafourche and Terrebonne have claimed the lowest unemployment rate for many years. This huge economic engine is the result of the substantial business relationships between the two parishes, including many companies maintaining facilities in both parishes. Workforce training is a priority for our region to maintain this economic stability, and as mandated by the federal government, our workforce investment board is integrated in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes, which greatly assists with our workforce development needs. On a similar note, Located in Lafourche Parish, Port Fourchon is the premier oil and gas port for the Gulf of Mexico, serving over 90 percent of the gulf’s deepwater needs. Terrebonne Parish, the Port of Terrebonne and its businesses work closely with Port Fourchon to provide the necessary support services and ensure the economic engines are continually generating activity for our area.

Likewise, Lafourche and Terrebonne share many challenges as it relates to coastal erosion and hurricane protection. Indeed, Lafourche and Terrebonne will forever remain linked through its federally sanctioned national estuary program – the Barataria –Terrebonne National Estuary, which links our irreplaceable region through its ecology. With the highest land loss rates in the nation and the most highly populated unprotected region in the state, it is critical we have the unconditional support in Congress to help fund the necessary projects to help protect and restore our region.

The shared interests of Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes are evident through mutual infrastructure projects including levee protection and coastal restoration, with several regional entities including levee districts and non-profit organizations that cross parish lines and work in tandem on both issues. Major infrastructure projects like the improvements to Louisiana Highway 1 and securing funding for the Morganza to the Gulf project require our parishes to speak with one voice.

Our two parishes are also the model for setting high standards for regional higher education partnerships through the relationship between Nicholls State University in Thibodaux and Fletcher Technical Community College in Houma. Through such a strong working relationship between our two higher education institutions, students from our area have tremendous access to first class learning opportunities.

Finally, Terrebonne and Lafourche have many shared cultural issues. For example our Native American population of 18,000 members has a rich history of consolidation between the two parishes. Having been uprooted for centuries, they have finely found a home in the bayous of Terrebonne and Lafourche.

As can be seen, the facts are abundantly clear. Terrebonne and Lafourche have too much in common to be separated. Whether be it through our vibrant economies or our needs for coastal restoration and infrastructure, our voice is more effective if we speak together. I urge everyone to spread the word and to remain involved on this extremely important issue.