On April 4th, Governor John Bel Edwards issued Executive Order No 2016-09, directing all state agencies to operate in a manner consistent with the Coastal Master Plan. The Governor cited the many ways that the Louisiana coast benefits the State and the country, and asserted that coastal restoration is a top priority and that money allocated for the coast needed to remain in those funds. Governor Edwards is hopeful that the responsible use of coastal restoration funds will be a sign to the U.S. Congress that Louisiana is deserving of long-term federal aid for restoring coastal wetlands.