Governor Bobby Jindal is obviously frustrated over the lack of FEMA assistance.  At a press conference Saturday morning, Jindal said that FEMA “continues to tell us” that they have many trucks on the way. 

Jindal, however, then said it is “like check is in mail”.

Also, later in the news briefing, Jindal said when referring to the FEMA convoy full of ice, tarps, food, meals and water, “Forgive me for being skeptical but we will believe it when we see it”.

Jindal also said that he is “Hoping they do arrive as promised if they do arrive, it will be later than the day, not earlier during the day”.

Jindal opened the news conference with a briefing concerning Ike.  He said he has less confidence predicting Ike.  The Governor said that much depends upon the strength of the storm, its speed, the impact of Cuba and high pressure ridges on both sides of the Gulf.  He reiterated that it is “very early” but pointed to next Friday as a date when the state might start to experience tropical storm winds.

Jindal also addressed faith-based organizations, schools and private contractors who are supplying food to those in need.  He said the goal is to ramp up capacity.  But, Jindal said that  FEMA is “telling us it is a logistic issue”.

The Governor said there is a demand for about twenty-five thousand tarps for blue roofs.  In thirteen parishes.  He said that people will have to sign up but their properties must be under fifty-percent damaged to qualify.  The Governor said the Corps of Engineers would install the tarps. 

Addressing the issue of utilities, Jindal said approximately twenty-six percent of the customers are without power.  He indicated that the focus is on the north part of the State as the utilities move towards the south.  Jindal also the the utilities were looking at “hardening” the transmission lines and are considering double or back-up feeds.

The Governor said that the state needed 436 generators and that the state would purchase them but businesses are responsible for maintaining them. 

Jindal also said that foty roads have been closed, over 196,000 people have registered with FEMA and that approximately fourteen thousand people would be returning today by vehicles procured by government.