Davie Breaux
CWPPRA Personal Reflections: Environmental Portraits and Oral Histories of Louisiana’s Coastal Wetlands Stakeholders
The goal of CWPPRA’s Personal Reflections Project is to capture the lives and stories of Louisiana residents who have been stewards of the wetlands and storytellers who open the door to the world of habitat protection and preservation. Each person has a unique tale, but the Louisiana wetlands have been a part of all of their lives. We invite you to learn more about these coastal caretakers. We have tried to capture our Louisiana guardians in two ways; the first with an environmental portrait and the second with an oral history.
Taylor Suir
Davie Breaux is a native of South Louisiana, born and raised in Galiano, and has spent his life working in and around the coastal region. He is the Director of Operations for the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, a position he has held for 16 years, overseeing the construction and development of the port itself. Prior to this, he worked in the construction industry, gaining valuable experience as a draftsman for architects and engineers and later working for a general contractor for 14 years. Breaux is also responsible for the management of an airport in Galiano, further expanding the reach of the Port Commission. His family has deep roots in the area, with both his father and grandfather having long careers with Texaco, a major oil and gas company. Breaux himself chose to stay on land, focusing his efforts on the development and preservation of the coastal region. He is a passionate advocate for the protection of the wetlands and coastline, recognizing their vital importance to the nation's seafood supply and energy needs.
Scope and Content Note
The interview with Davie Breaux, conducted by Susan Testroet-Bergeron, provides a comprehensive insight into Breaux's life, his work with the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, and his deep connection to the coastal region of Louisiana. Breaux discusses his family history, detailing how his grandparents and parents lived and worked in the area and how this influenced his own career path. He also provides an overview of his role at the Port Commission, explaining the responsibilities and challenges of managing both a seaport and an airport. A significant portion of the interview is dedicated to discussing the importance of coastal restoration, with Breaux emphasizing the critical role that the Louisiana coastline plays in providing seafood and energy resources for the nation. He also shares his personal perspective on the issue, expressing his hope that future generations will be able to enjoy the natural resources of the area just as he and his children have. The interview concludes with Breaux's thoughts on the intertwined nature of industry and restoration in the region, highlighting the need for balance and sustainable practices.
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