Louisiana Governor Jindal has written a letter to US President George W. Bush through FEMA requesting 100% federal cost share for Ike and Gustav. Governor Jindal has cited Texas, the impact upon Louisiana and the recovery from Katrina and Rita. Here is a copy of the letter to President Bush:
September 17, 2008
The Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States
The White House
Washington, DC
Through: Mr. William Peterson
Regional Director
FEMA Region VI
FRC 800 North Loop 288
Denton, TX76209-3698
RE: Request for 100% federal cost share
Dear Mr. President:
On September 1, 2008, and September 12, 2008, respectively, the State of Louisiana was severely damaged by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Singularly, each was a major disaster; combined, these storms amount to a catastrophic event for the State. At the time of these two hurricanes, Louisiana was in the midst of recovery from the largest disasters in U.S. history – Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The State of Texas has been granted a 100% federal cost share for Categories A and B, under the Public Assistance Program of the Stafford Act. I request for the State of Louisiana similar treatment for Categories A and B reimbursement for Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. The State will continue to seek 100% cost-share of all federal obligations related to Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, as done after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Although we are still undergoing the analysis to determine the full extent of damages, it is apparent that the two storms have caused extensive physical damage to individual households, businesses and public infrastructure. Over 385,000 applications for Individual Assistance benefits have been filed by Louisiana citizens affected by the storms. It is estimated that these individuals have suffered between $2 and $4.5 billion in damages to homes, vehicles and personal property. Public infrastructure and public facilities damages estimates are currently in excess of $1 billion. Approximately 11 million cubic yards of debris have been generated, costing approximately $300 million for disposal. Additionally, economic damage to the State is anticipated to be between $2.5 and $5 billion. Revenue loss for the agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture industries will exceed $600 million. Losses to the oil and gas industry due to the shut-in of production during the storms will reach $2 billion to $5 billion over the next 6 months. The total economic effects of the storms to the State could total $15 billion or more.
As indicated above, many of the same communities affected by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike are still in the recovery process from the damages caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Those storms caused an estimated $100 billion in damages to homes, property, businesses and infrastructure in Louisiana. The tax base necessary to fully support the recovery from these catastrophic events has still not returned. The recent storms have greatly compounded the recovery efforts from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and in order to complete that recovery Louisiana requires the continuation of the full support granted to the State under the Stafford Act.
The oil and gas, agriculture, fisheries, and transportation industries of Louisiana are economic drivers for the entire country, and the full recovery of the State is critical to the nation. It is imperative to expedite the recovery of the State. To support that recovery we will continue to seek to maximize federal assistance under the Stafford Act.
Your support to date is greatly appreciated and we look forward to your continued assistance to ensure the prompt recovery of the State.
I have a patent on a new type of concrete flood protection barrier as well. It is less expensive than conventional formats currently being constructed, and it is every bit stronger and safer..... I could see where these mediums could be initiated in various regions around the nation for the protection of communities, and crop lands..... In most instances the numbers appear to substantiate that there is anywhere from a 3:01 to a 5:01 cost benefit ratio utilizing this installation methodology, the STRONGCONCRETE technology, and coupled with advanced manufacturing techniques.... Some places the earthen levees need to be reworked for a variety of reasons, and elevations raised as more construction is conducted on floodplains and the rain water runs off into the creeks, tributaries and rivers in a more rapid fashion. It really isn’t time anymore for procrastination, it is time for prudent and diligent action. Oh well, maybe they didn’t learn from the flooding up in the Mid-West a few months ago, or the flooding in regions of Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas etc a few weeks ago, or the wave surge actions associated with Gustav and Ike….. Just goes to show, you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it swim………………….. Written by
on 9/19/2008
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What kind of flood control would that be? Maybe the simplest ideas are the most effective and productive..... Written by the schubster
on 9/19/2008
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Is this the first, the second, or the third letter???? I can think of something else that is critical to the entire Nation, and that is cost effective and rapid flood water control technologies...... After all, it is one of the basic events he is dealing with right now isn't it? Written by
on 9/18/2008
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