politicians and construction projects
I haven't done the research on who is getting all these contracts. I read that some company with Louisiana workers has the bulk of this leg of the project. Often when these are bid out it is one company that gets most of the pie. If any folks have investigative reporter skills I suggest you do some digging.
I would bet any amount of money that somewhere along the line, the company getting most of the work has campaign ties to either a local politician or federal congress person. It is that person or persons who is on the committee to approve these funds. As you may know Congress has all these special appropriations committees. Do the research and you might find something that stinks, not just the mud they are pulling from the bottom of the ocean. If they recommended sand replenishment over putting in seawalls, or extending the jetties there has to be a reward there somewhere to the dredging companys. It doesn't follow logically that they would spend more money to have ineffective solutions. There has to be some financial agenda or reward that we don't know about. I don't know if Pallone is getting any kickbacks or campaign contributions from this but he should be investigated as well.