Erosion Causing Louisiana Coastal Parish Residents to Leave

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A new report says commuting statistics indicate that coastal parishes are losing residents because of coastal erosion. And it says those left behind are on average older, poorer or otherwise vulnerable.

The New Orleans Advocate reports that the study was released Sunday by The Data Center, based in New Orleans.

It says that in Plaquemines Parish, 72 percent of all workers commute into the parish, up from 69 percent in 2004.

The increase was faster in Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes. However, Terrebonne Parish President Michel Claudet says the reason isn't erosion but an economic boom. He says the parishes cannot supply enough skilled workers. Claudet says lots of people are looking to move into Terrebonne, but homes sell quickly and few apartments or hotel rooms are vacant.