WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., chair of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, announced that the Toledo Bend Hydroelectric Project received a new 50-year license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission today. Sen. Landrieu’s advocacy for the project helped land the maximum licensing period allowed under law.

“Toledo Bend is an economic engine for the region and its full potential is only waiting to be unleashed,” Sen. Landrieu said. “This new 50-year license significantly increases the value of the Toledo Bend Project and the ability of the project licensees, the Sabine River Authorities of Louisiana and Texas, to support economic development in the region.”

“A 50-year FERC license is the foundation for the Toledo Bend Project to achieve its fullest potential as a water supply facility, electricity producer, recreation destination and an economic engine for Western Louisiana” said Jim Pratt, Executive Director of the Sabine River Authority, State of Louisiana. “While we are still reviewing the details of the FERC order, this victory is in no small part due to Chairman Landrieu’s steadfast and persistent support for our efforts and commitment to our project.”

“Today is a significant day for the Toledo Bend Project with the issuance of a 50-year license, the longest term possible under federal law,” said David Montagne, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Sabine River Authority of Texas. “Chairman Landrieu has been a vocal advocate of the benefits the project brings to our region, and we appreciate her efforts on our behalf.”

On May 20, Sen. Landrieu pressed FERC nominees Cheryl LaFleur and Norman Bay to approve a new 50-year license for the project during their nomination hearing.

On May 16, Sen. Landrieu held a Committee Field Hearing highlighting the job-creating potential of the Toledo Bend Project.

On February 5, Sen. Landrieu called on FERC to issue Toldeo Bend a new 50-year license, the longest term possible under federal law.