BATON ROUGE – On Tuesday, Governor Bobby Jindal visited Washington, D.C. to meet with the Louisiana congressional delegation and highlight the state’s ongoing recovery needs, following Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.
The Governor met with the Louisiana congressional delegation and then held a press conference to discuss the state’s recovery priorities and eight white papers outlining damage assessments to date, and federal support needed for the state to assist in recovery efforts.
Governor Jindal said, “Louisiana was struck by two hurricanes this year, even as we continue to rebuild from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. We are counting on Congress to help get our people and our businesses back on their feet by assisting us in some of the same ways the federal government has already offered to help Texas by granting their request for a 100 percent federal cost share of recovery expenses, and like they helped Louisiana after the storms of 2005.
“We are still conducting assessments and analysis to determine the full extent of the damages in our state due to the destruction of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, but we know that these storms have caused extensive damage to homes, businesses and public infrastructure. More than 385,000 applications for individual assistance have already been filed with FEMA, and we estimate that Louisianians have suffered between $2 billion and $4.5 billion in damages, with damage to our public infrastructure and facilities to exceed $1 billion, and economic losses expected to range from $2.5 billion to $5 billion.
“We know that the destruction has been expansive – stretching to every corner of the state. That means our recovery efforts must be equally as aggressive and thorough. We must reach into every community to identify their losses and help provide people with the assistance they need to rebuild.
“Estimates have now come in assessing the state’s total economic losses from the storm to be as much as $15 billion. Our oil and gas, agriculture, fisheries, and transportation industries were all affected by these storms and they are all economic drivers for the entire country, which is why it is imperative for Congress to act quickly to speed recovery assistance to our state.
“The eight white papers I gave Congress today will help guide appropriators in their work to identify necessary funds to help our state recover. I will continue to work with the entire Louisiana congressional delegation to ensure our state’s needs remain at the forefront of the nation’s agenda in Washington, D.C. so our people and our communities will get the help they need to recover and rebuild.”
Governor Jindal released the following white papers, detailing recovery needs in his discussions with Congress:
Ehhhh,,, after 3 years and still no STRONGCONCRETE? I think Texas, and of course the bailouts are sort of standing in line also..... Oh well, maybe Bobby can sell those royalties off to some group that purchase annuities or something... That way we can get 50 cents on the dollar......... Written by
on 9/24/2008
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As long as he keeps Miss Landrieu away we might have a chance at getting some relief in a timely manner. Written by Sid
on 9/24/2008
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