It has been a long and deliberate process, but the day has finally come when Terrebonne Parish will see Bayou Terrebonne, Bayou Grand Caillou, Bayou Petite Caillou, and Bayou Dularge free of derelict vessels, debris and fallen trees caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. FEMA will finance 100% of the removal costs for the 42 vessels identified as having been damaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. This includes vessels in Bayou Dularge, Bayou Grand Caillou, Bayou Petit Caillou and Terrebonne Bayou. The contract was awarded by the Coast Guard on April 17, 2009 and removal will begin in early May. The work includes the removal of miscellaneous marine debris and trees in Bayou Terrebonne and in Bayou Petite Caillou. In addition to this, Terrebonne Parish will receive 90% funding to remove the 21 vessels and 1 travel trailer identified as damaged for hurricanes Gustav and Ike. The Parish has received a $ 250,000.00 grant for the removal of marine debris and derelict vessels. The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness has applied for a grant from NOAA for funding to remove derelict vessels which were not storm related. They could possible receive several millions of dollars for this project. Terrebonne Parish President Michel Claudet stated that “we are very excited that we have been able to receive the funding to begin cleaning our bayous. My hope is that once we have completed the clean-up process that those who use the bayous will be inspired to keep them clean. Everyone wants to enjoy recreational activities on these water ways. It is the way of life for most of our residents. While hurricanes and storms may be the cause of some of the debris and trash, the major cause is littering. Councilman Kevin Voisin said, “If someone drives too fast through a flooded street and causes the water to get into your home, you want to shoot them; but we don’t think about the damaged caused by throwing trash out the car window or into the bayou. Yet, this very trash gets caught in the drains and drainage pumps and causes flooding”. Something must be done to help make the public aware of the tremendous damage caused by litter and debris.