Biden Approves Emergency Declaration in Louisiana Over Seawater Intrusion

The emergency declaration would allow the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate all disaster relief efforts.

The $1.1 billion Lake Borgne Surge Barrier stands near the confluence of and across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Aug. 23, 2019. The massive structure was built by the Army Corps of Engineers along with other reinforcements to defend the city of New Orleans against future hurricanes and storms. Drew Angerer/Getty Images

President Joe Biden has approved an emergency declaration for the state of Louisiana to help tackle saltwater intrusion in the Mississippi River that has been threatening drinking water supplies in the region.

The emergency declaration, approved on Sept. 27, will allow the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate all disaster relief efforts and provide assistance for required emergency measures.