Posted on 09/06/2005 10:15:17 AM PDT by Abigail Adams
This thread is for Katrina news and updates.
...The revised Louisiana total brought the overall confirmed death toll from Katrina to 648, including 218 deaths in Mississippi and 7 in Florida...
With more than 200 more confirmed deaths in Lousiana yesterday, it's creeping up toward at least 1000, but it's like there is an almost complete news blackout on the toll. Even those that are reporting tend to report disjointed info from just Louisiana or N.O. without adding the Mississippi total. Hard to find a complete count (hate to have to rely on Reuters, of all leftist wacko news services).
Press Releases
Date: 9/14/2005
Contact: Denise Bottcher or Roderick Hawkins at 225-342-9037
Louisiana's Road to Recovery: By the Numbers
Baton Rouge, LA-- The State of Louisiana is coordinating with various local, state and federal agencies to meet the immediate and long term needs of citizens that were affected by Hurricane Katrina. Key facts and figures detailing Louisiana's road to recovery are outlined below.
Critical Operations
The LA Department of Transportation & Development estimates more than 1.2 million people were evacuated from the metro New Orleans area between 9 am Saturday and 5 pm Sunday following Governor Blanco's State of Emergency declaration on Friday, August 26th, three days prior to the landfall of Hurricane Katrina.
The Department of Wildlife & Fisheries estimates more than 21,000 lives have been saved through DWLF coordinated search and rescue operations.
With LSU and other agencies, the LA Department of Health & Hospitals fully evacuated more than 10,000 patients and caregivers in all the hospitals throughout the greater New Orleans area.
During the evacuation of the Greater New Orleans area, the State of Louisiana coordinated the use of more than 400 busses from schools and municipalities across the state to transport more than 11,000 evacuees.
This number is expected to grow as parishes across Louisiana are still reporting.
To date, the National Guard has delivered
- More than 804,000 meals
- More than 1 million liters of water
- More than 477,000 pounds of ice
*DHH also set up a network of health care providers throughout the state to treat evacuated patients.
Boots on the Ground
The 14th day since Hurricane Katrina hit, the Louisiana National Guard has more than doubled its military forces in Louisiana.
There are approximately 25,000 troops currently stationed throughout Louisiana.
- Approximately 5,000 LANG soldiers
- An additional 20,000 other troops from all over the country
The Guard's primary missions include:
- Saving lives
o Search and rescue operations
o The delivery of critical resources to displaced citizens
- Enforcing security
- Evacuating residents
- Supporting existing critical infrastructures
Emergency Medical Assistance
To date, DHH has triaged more than 20,000 patients through special triage hospitals in Baton Rouge and Thibodaux.
To date, DHH has handled requests from more than 2,000 medical volunteers (doctors, nurses, medical supplies) to come to affected areas and help.
. DHH Offices* are providing more than 350 counseling hours-per-day to the Special Needs Shelter population which was over 1,000 persons-per-day at the height and is currently running 650 - 700 people-per-day.
*Office of Mental Health and the Human Service Districts and Authorities
Support Services
DSS has processed approximately 250,000 emergency food stamps for a total of $80.7 million in benefits.
DSS has also coordinated a total of 340 general population shelters (in-state) plus 8 special needs shelters, housing more than 60,000 displaced citizens.
To date, the Louisiana Department of Labor has collected more than 119,000 unemployment claims from persons in Louisiana who lost their jobs because of Katrina. Another 60,000 have also been collected in other states.
Support Services (CONTD)
To date, the Louisiana State Police (LSP) has supplied thousands of local, state and federal support vehicles traveling into affected areas with more than 48,700 gallons of gasoline.
LSP also estimates it has assisted more than 750 support vehicles on critical missions throughout Louisiana. Some critical missions include: escorting emergency equipment vehicles into and out of affected areas and escorting busses transporting evacuees from the Greater New Orleans area to shelters throughout Louisiana and beyond.
Reuniting Families
Working with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, DSS has reunited 50 children with their families or legal guardians.
Through the Find Family Call Center, DHH has reunited 18 displaced citizens with their family members and received more than 800 calls to date.
Economic Development
46,000 SBA business and home loan applications have been received from Louisiana citizens and are being processed in partnership with the LA Department of Economic Development.
Approximately 5,000 loans are being processed per day.
LED has serviced 4,198 business relocation requests through AccessLouisiana.
Louisiana Colleges & Universities
More than 6,500 students displaced by Hurricane Katrina have re-registered at public and private Louisiana colleges and universities.
Breakdown of re-registers by University:
Louisiana State University - 3,285
Grambling University- 50
Louisiana Tech University- 350
McNeese University- 200
NIcholls State University- 700
Northwestern Louisiana University - 150
Southeastern Louisiana University- 1,000
University of Louisiana at Lafayette - 700
University of Louisiana at Monroe - 200
Additional DHH Medical Services
. DHH has established 14 response teams across Louisiana (2 in 7 regions) providing social services such as mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment or therapeutic services to evacuees in need.
. Working with various other state and federal agencies, DHH is updating the drinking water quality for more than 500 water systems impacted by the storm.
. DHH has provided first-responder crisis mental health counseling to its staff working around the clock at more than 17 locations around the state.
DHH has also provided first responder services to:
- Bus drivers transporting evacuees
- Coast Guard search and rescue personnel
- Fire services personnel & boat fleet operators
- Wildlife and fisheries personnel
- Security services & other law enforcement personnel throughout the declared parishes.
*This information was submitted by various state agencies and compiled by the Governor's Office.*
###
Press Releases
Date: 9/14/2005
Contact: Denise Bottcher or Roderick Hawkins at 225-342-9037
Arrival of Temporary Housing Helps Restart Operations at Essential Louisiana Businesses
Governor Blanco's efforts place 338 temporary housing trailers at work sites
Baton Rouge, La. - September 13, 2005 - Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco announced today that temporary housing units have been provided to essential businesses impacted by Hurricane Katrina to facilitate their return to production. Over the past three days, 330 temporary housing units have been delivered to gasoline refineries, natural gas plants and petrochemical facilities throughout Louisiana's impacted river region.
Under Governor Blanco's direction, Louisiana Economic Development (LED) coordinated the effort between the state, FEMA and FEMA's service provider Fluor to help make it possible for employees to return to work. Gov. Blanco eliminated legal, administrative and logistical hurdles so these businesses could return to operation as quickly as possible to alleviate the strain on the nation's economy.
"The impact of this storm on Louisiana's businesses is being felt all over the globe," said Gov. Blanco. "This vital effort will put displaced Louisiana citizens back to work and ultimately provide some relief for all Americans when they visit the gas pump over the coming weeks."
LED is delivering all FEMA housing trailers to impacted businesses. Each unit can house four workers. These trailers have been arriving at refineries and plants throughout the region by a constant supply of convoys. To date, 526 requests have been made for these accommodations.
"This is a significant step in the positive economic recovery from the storm for Louisiana and the country," said Secretary Michael J. Olivier, Louisiana Economic Development. "Every trailer that LED delivers means four more Louisianans can return home to a well-paying job and more of our nation's vital resources can be put into production."
-30-
http://www.wjbo.com
streaming audio live
6;30 pm central time
Gov. Blanco's address to Louisiana legislature
Tonight.
Thanks! Is it going to be televised as well?
I haven't heard. If you find out let me know, I want to watch her cry some more.
geesh check this out, her family etc...this is a bunch of sh*t!
Press Releases
Date: 9/14/2005
Contact: Denise Bottcher or Roderick Hawkins at 225-342-9037
MEDIA ADVISORY: Format for Special Meeting of the Louisiana Legislature and Governor Blanco's Address to the Legislature
September 14, 2005
5:30 p.m. Senate and House convene in their respective chambers.
6:00 p.m. Members of the Senate retire to the House Chamber
6:10 p.m. Members of the Blanco family are escorted into the House Chamber
6:20 p.m. Dignitaries escorted into House Chamber: General Bennett Landreneau, Louisiana National Guard; General Russ Honore, U.S. Army; Colonel Henry Whitehorn, Louisiana State Police; Admiral Thad Allen, U.S. Coast Guard.
6:27 p.m. Prayer by Reverend Dr. Willie Gable of New Orleans. (Pastor of the Progressive Baptist Church of New Orleans and the Macedonia Baptist Church of Hammond.)
6:31 p.m. Governor Blanco enters House Chamber.
6:33 p.m. Senate President Don Hines introduces Governor Blanco.
6:34 p.m. Governor Blanco speaks.
6:54 p.m. Governor Blanco concludes speech.
Press Releases
Date: 9/15/2005
Contact: Denise Bottcher or Roderick Hawkins at 225-342-9037
UPDATE: TASK FORCE PELICAN
Thursday - September 15, 2005
American Red Cross
- Important Red Cross numbers:
§ For Information: 1-866-GET-INFO (1-866-438-4636)
§ To Apply for Financial Assistance: 1-800- 975-7585
§ To Find Friends & Family: 1-877-LOVED 1S (1-877-568-3317)
§ To donate: 1-800- HELP- NOW (1-800-4357-669)
Department of Health & Hospitals
- An updated number of fatalities has been announced at 474.
o This number will be updated as often as possible when deaths are determined to be storm-related.
- DHH has contracted with Kenyon International Emergency Services to recover the bodies of deceased victims of Hurricane Katrina.
o For more information the contract can be viewed online at http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/offices/publications.asp?ID=145&Detail=741
- Aerial spraying for mosquitoes in the Greater New Orleans area continued through today.
o Spraying in Washington is tentatively scheduled for tomorrow and Friday and Tangipahoa Parish is tentatively scheduled for Saturday.
- Jefferson parish restaurant owners wishing to reopen their establishments must call the Jefferson Parish Health Unit at 504-838-5140 for an inspection.
o Upon passing inspection, an official placard will be conspicuously displayed at that establishment.
o Food establishments that do not obtain the placard will not be allowed to operate.
Department of Social Services
- Currently, there are 318 general population shelters in Louisiana housing 52,640 displaced citizens.
o Another five special needs shelters house 318 citizens.
o In addition to Louisiana, 49 states now offer shelters to 58,466 citizens for a total population of 111,424 displaced citizens.
- From Sept. 2 - 14, the Office of Family Support has certified 268,596 households (with an average of 3 family members per HH) for total Disaster Food Stamp benefits of more than $98.9 million.
- The Office of Community Services has located 1,500 of the 2,000 foster children in the hurricane impacted area.
o There have been 50 displaced children taken into custody, mostly in Texas.
o Five hundred children have been matched and reunited with their families during the Hurricane Katrina aftermath.
o Twelve children still are in need of reunification.
Department of Education
- The Louisiana Department of Education Call Center has answered approximately 10,000 phone calls from concerned parents, teachers and school employees since Hurricane Katrina passed.
- In addition, our website has experienced record traffic logging more than 167,000 hits.
- Through our Teach Louisiana website, we have registered more than 4,000 teachers who have been displaced and identified more than 1,600 who are searching for jobs in the areas in which they are seeking temporary shelter.
- Additionally, the Department has set up a temporary office on the first floor of our downtown building to service walk-in's in need of school information, duplicate teacher certificates or just answers to their questions.
o More than 800 individuals have received help.
- Finally, we have preliminary numbers from Louisiana school districts indicating that 22,000 displaced students have enrolled in operating school systems statewide.
- Additional information can be obtained by logging onto our website, www.louisianaschools.net or by calling our toll-free helpline at 1-877-453-2721.
Department of Transportation & Development
- DOTD is completing its assessment of moveable bridges in the affected areas.
- Several contracts have been awarded and work is underway.
Department of Labor
- DOL has taken over 130,000 new claims for Unemployment Insurance benefits in Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
o At least 60,000 have been collected from evacuees in other states.
- Persons who filed unemployment insurance claims recently won't find the customary paper check in the mail.
o Instead, they will get a debit card from DOL that will allow them easy access to their benefits.
- DOL continues to list a schedule of job fairs set across the state.
- DOL continues to urge injured workers who were receiving workers' compensation benefits before Hurricane Katrina to call the Workers' Compensation office immediately to update their contact information.
o The toll-free number is 1-866-783-5567.
Department of Environmental Quality
- NOAA ship Nancy Foster will be taking water, fish and shrimp samples in impacted areas from Alabama to mouth of Mississippi River.
- Samples from Lake Pontchartrain continue to show elevated levels of bacteria.
o Samples will be taken twice a week
- Inside the New Orleans levees, results for samples collected through September 8th, show concentrations of metals and toxic organic pollutants to be below levels of concern.
Department of Wildlife & Fisheries
- Habitat Damage Assessment Continues
o Survey report on parts of St. Bernard Parish by LDWF Marine Fisheries and Fur & Refuge personnel: to determine extent of damage to infrastructure and marsh at ground level.
o In the Bayou Bienvenue area, most boat launches and marinas are in poor condition, with many sport boats scattered around parking lots, along with assorted debris.
o The Violet Canal served as refuge for a substantial fleet (perhaps 40-50) shrimp and oyster vessels.
§ Most of this fleet seemed to be afloat, though some vessels were listing, or exhibited some structural damage.
o Bayou Terre aux Boeufs was choked with areas of marsh grass and floating mud through the Reggio area, down to about Bayou Lery.
§ Below that junction, the bayou seemed much more passable, though there were still substantial amounts of marsh debris, mixed with debris from destroyed / damaged buildings and boats.
§ Access to these upper stretches of the bayou will probably be impossible for some time to come.
o Nearly all houses and other structures in the Reggio / Delacroix area were substantially destroyed.
§ The few structures remaining took severe damage.
§ The St. Bernard Parish facility in Reggio had a watermark about ½ way up the second floor.
o Marsh damage seemed to be severe in the area surveyed, with substantial clumps of marsh overturned, with the root masses exposed.
§ More was dislocated, landing atop other marsh, in trees, in structures, etc.
- Marine Fisheries - Administrative Update
o Marine Fisheries began the temporary move of Oyster Lease Survey Section records from the New Orleans office to Baton Rouge.
o That office is expected to be operational within a week.
Department of Corrections
- Summary of arrests to date processed at the temporary detention facility in New Orleans (as of 5:15 pm 9/14/2005):
o Total Misdemeanors: 9 male 2 female
o Total State Felonies: 218 males 47 females
o Total Federal Felonies: 8 males
- Initial or "72 hour hearings" were held for 13 detainees at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center on Wednesday.
o These are individuals arrested post-Hurricane Katrina and held temporarily at the New Orleans detention facility and then transported to Hunt.
o Court is scheduled again next Wednesday, September 21st, 2005.
- Family members inquiring about an inmate's transfer location (those evacuated from Jefferson and Orleans parishes) may call the following numbers for more information: 225) 342-5935 or (225) 342-3998
- Those offenders under probation or parole supervision who were forced to evacuate due to Hurricane Katrina are asked to check-in with the Department immediately. Probation and Parole agents are manning the following phone lines
1-800-869-2909 or (225) 342-0921; 342-0923 or 342-0933
###
12:07P.M. - JEFFERSONVILLE, IN (AP): Three women have been charged with felony fraud, accused of trying to cheat the American Red Cross in Jeffersonville, Indiana, by posing as victims of Hurricane Katrina.
The three women claimed they were from Louisiana and asked for money and clothes. They were arrested after police determined they were really from Louisville, Kentucky.
Clark County Red Cross chapter director Phyllis Wilkins says they are also investigating reports that people have used Red Cross debit cards at Victoria's Secret, Circuit City and Hooters.
She says the agency's policy is to "err on the side of compassion" when someone claims to be a hurricane refugee and has no identification. They take digital photos of each applicant and try to verify their address.
Bump to bookmark.
Press Releases
Date: 9/16/2005
Contact: Denise Bottcher or Roderick Hawkins at 225-342-9037
Governor Blanco's public schedule for Friday, Sept. 16, 2005:
Governor Blanco's public schedule for Friday, Sept. 16, 2005:
Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco will travel to New Orleans on Friday, September 16, 2005, to greet a bipartisan delegation of 15 U.S. senators who will take an aerial and ground tour of New Orleans. The delegation will include Majority Leader Bill Frist of Tenn. and Democratic Leader Harry Reid of Nevada.
WHEN: 9:15 a.m.
WHERE: USS Iwo Jima, New Orleans
WHO: Governor Blanco greets U.S. Senate delegation and attends operational briefing by Major General Bennett Landreneau, Vice Admiral Thad Allen, and Lt. General Russ Honore.
Date: 9/16/2005
Contact: Denise Bottcher or Roderick Hawkins at 225-342-9037
UPDATE: TASK FORCE PELICAN
Friday - September 16, 2005
Louisiana National Guard
- Primary missions continue to be saving lives, enforcing security, evacuating residents, and supporting existing critical infrastructures.
- Each parish in the affected area has been assigned its own Task Force (TF), which is primarily managed by TF Santa Fe, to protect hurricane victims from potential identity theft.
o Federal Protective Services is concerned with potential identity theft of hurricane victims who died and the availability of personal information from devastated areas
o FPS advises caution giving personal data to insurance adjusters/FEMA ensuring they are legitimate officials.
- TF Jefferson continues to work with the parish officials to transition the 82nd Airborne into some of the static security missions, thus freeing up the National Guardsmen for law enforcement missions.
- TF Defender continues to perform security missions outside the affected parishes.
- TF Eagle continues operations out of Belle Chasse Tactical Air Operations Center after jumping from the Superdome.
- TF Eagle remains in control of 42 helicopters to include UH-60's, UH-1's, CH-47's, and OH-58's; while continuing to have approximately 50 other aircraft from various services.
- Within the last 24 hours, LA Army National Guard has received an additional 31 missions of Security, Logistical, Aviation, Search and Rescue, Evacuation, and Transportation.
Division of Administration
- As of Monday, September 19, 2005, agency heads may re-open offices as circumstances allow and call employees in those offices back to work in accordance with Civil Service rules in the following parishes
o Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines & St. Bernard
o For additional information, call 1-800-360-9660
- Supervisors of state workers are urged to BE SENSITIVE TO THE PARTICULAR NEEDS OF THEIR EMPLOYEES in view of the difficulties some will face in returning to work in the aftermath of Katrina.
Department of Health & Hospitals
- An updated number of fatalities has been announced at 558.
o This number will be updated as often as possible when deaths are determined to be storm-related.
- The status of public water systems that have been affected by Hurricane Katrina is being updated on a daily basis.
o Visit www.dhhemergencynews.com for more information.
- DHH has reopened oyster harvest beds in the Terrebonne Parish harvest area (Harvest Areas 15-23).
o Oyster harvesting can resume in these areas beginning at official sunrise, Friday, September 16, 2005.
o All other areas (Areas 1-14) will remain closed until further notice.
Department of Labor
- LDOL continues to urge injured workers to contact the Office of Workers' Compensation to update their addresses.
- LDOL will announce the re-opening of the Bogalusa Job Center as well as DOL's Plaquemines Parish Disaster Recovery Center located at the Belle Chase Primary School (539 Edward Hebert Blvd) where unemployment claims will be accepted.
- Soon, LDOL will also make a link available on the LDOL web site for jobseekers to view the dozens of job fairs scheduled around the state.
o For additional information, visit LDOL online at: www.laworks.net
Department of Social Services
- Currently, there are 322 general population shelters in Louisiana housing 45,432 displaced citizens. Another five special needs shelters house 249 citizens.
- From Sept. 2 - 15, the Office of Family Support has certified 281,351 households (with an average of 3 family members per HH) for total Disaster Food Stamp benefits of more than $103.1 million.
- An extension has been granted for residents of Orleans, Jefferson, Plaquemines and St. Bernard parishes to apply for benefits.
o They may apply until 4:30 p.m., Sept. 22
o Deadlines in other impacted areas include:
§ St. Tammany, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 16
§ Washington Parish, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 17
§ West Feliciana, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 18
Department of Education
- DOE continues to meet extensively with all of the impacted school districts to discuss their recovery plans.
- Orleans Parish had their first school board meeting since the Hurricane today in Baton Rouge.
- Education officials began calling school districts receiving displaced students to compile the most up-to-date enrollment numbers.
o Better estimates of enrollments should be available soon.
- DOE also continues to coordinate efforts to match donation offers to districts that have needs.
Department of Transportation & Development
- DOTD Secretary Bradberry will give an infrastructure overview in a media briefing this afternoon.
· 4 pm Media Briefing @ OEP
· 7667 Independence Boulevard
· Baton Rouge, LA
Department of Environmental Quality
- More than 60 water samples from 22 sites in and around Lake Pontchartrain have been taken
- Samples taken show low readings of chemical pollutants, high levels of bacteria.
Department of Wildlife & Fisheries
INLAND FISHERIES RESOURCE ASSESSMENT UPDATE
- Lake Maurepas Area (Blind River, Amite River, Tickfaw River, Diversion Canal)
o Extensive fish kills and bad water (low dissolved oxygen) in area.
o The only good water is currently in the Amite River north of it's junction with the Diversion Canal.
o This area will be re-sampled next week (9/21-9/23).
- Lake Pontchartrain Area (Tangipahoa River, Tchefuncte River, Bayou Lacombe, Bayou Liberty, Bayou Bonfouca)
o Extensive fish kills and bad water in area -- low dissolved oxygen.
o Higher dissolved oxygen levels at the river mouths and along the northern lake shore.
o Wind and wave action in the lake will help to oxygenate the water.
o This area will be re-sampled next week (9/21-9/23).
- Rigolets Pearl River Area
o Some fish kills reported from the East Pearl where the majority of the bad water was observed.
o The West Pearl to the Rigolets and Little Lake had good water and should not be a problem for aquatic life.
- Caernarvon Freshwater Diversion Area
o No Samples taken to date.
o Flight on 9/8 by Marine Fisheries indicated extensive marsh damage.
o Plans are to sample the area next week (9/19).
- Mouth of Mississippi Area
o No Samples taken to date.
o Flight on 9/9 indicated extensive marsh damage but evidence of live fish were observed in the area.
o Sheens from oil spills were prevalent throughout the area.
- North Barataria Area (Lake Salvador, Lake Cataouatche, Lac des Allemands)
o The area showed minimal impact from the hurricane.
o Constant recorders in the area indicated that water levels only rose about 1 foot during the storm.
o There were a few localized fish kills in the area.
o All in all the area is expected to recover nicely.
o Sampling of the area is being conducted (9/15 - 9/20).
Department of Corrections
n The Department has established release procedures for municipal and parish inmates (non-DOC) who were being held at Orleans Parish Prison and who were evacuated as a result of Hurricane Katrina. These are individuals with minor charges who had/have a scheduled release date of 9/16/2005 or sooner. These are also individuals who do not require probation or parole supervision. (In other words, these are people who would have normally been discharged from OPP had it not been for the circumstances of Katrina.)
The Department has identified 163 such inmates who may be eligible for release. Institutions are checking for outstanding warrants or other pending charges. If background checks come back clean, DOC Headquarters will then submit a list of names to the Attorney General's Office. The AG's office will then obtain the order for release.
The State has no legal authority to hold inmates past their release date. However, every effort will be made to find a discharge location or arrangement that is as suitable as possible under the circumstances, including bus transportation. (Please call DOC for more information - 225-219-0499.)
n Many inmate organizations within Louisiana's state correctional facilities have raised money for evacuated inmates from Orleans and Jefferson parish. Most of that money has gone to purchase hygiene products and canteen items. Inmate organizations are also providing paper, envelopes and postage stamps so evacuated inmates can keep in touch with family members.
n Family members inquiring about an inmate's transfer location (those evacuated from Jefferson and Orleans parishes) may call (225) 342-5935 or (225) 342-3998 for more information.
n Those offenders under probation or parole supervision who were forced to evacuate due to Hurricane Katrina are asked to check-in with the Department. Probation and Parole agents are manning the following phone lines: 1-800-869-2909 or (225) 342-0921;
(225)342-0923 or (225) 342-0933.
###
Press Releases
Date: 9/16/2005
Contact: Denise Bottcher or Roderick Hawkins at 225-342-9037
Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco's letter to President George W. Bush requesting FEMA to provide 100% of the disaster assistance cost for one full year
September 12, 2005
The Honorable George W. Bush
The President
The White House
Washington, DC 20502
VIA FACSIMILIE: (202) 456-1907
Dear Mr. President:
The toll of Hurricane Katrina on the State of Louisiana is clearly now becoming evident. Direct losses from the disaster are now expected to total over $100 billion, which makes this event the single largest natural disaster in the history of the United States. In addition to these drastic losses, I am equally concerned about the indirect losses from this hurricane, to include: a dramatic economic decline of the areas most impacted by this event; and the subsequent decline in State and local tax revenues (which translate into a decline in our ability to provide services at exactly the time when such services will be most needed, during the years of recovery).
The severity and magnitude of these impacts lead me to the conclusion that at least over the next year, the State of Louisiana will be unable to provide for the cost-share match associated with Federal disaster assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ("the Stafford Act"). It is for this reason that I am asking you to take the significant step of allowing FEMA to provide 100% of the cost of this disaster assistance under the Act until August 29, 2006, exactly one-year from the date that Hurricane Katrina impacted our State. Providing this level of assistance will allow time for the State of Louisiana and the Federal government to better understand both the short- and long-term economic impacts of this catastrophe, and thus determine if a continuation of the 100% Federal cost-share is warranted beyond the one-year mark.
The State of Louisiana is in great need of Federal assistance both immediately and in the long-term aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. I look forward to your approval of my request as soon as possible. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this matter further, please contact me.
Respectfully,
Kathleen Babineaux Blanco
Governor
-30-
Press Releases
Date: 9/16/2005
Contact: Denise Bottcher or Roderick Hawkins at 225-342-9037
MEDIA ADVISORY: Correction-Governor Blanco to pray with evacuees in Monroe, tour state's first community shelter
-CORRECTION- -CORRECTION- -CORRECTION-
Press Releases
Date: 9/17/2005
Contact: Denise Bottcher or Roderick Hawkins at 225-342-9037
Governor Blanco's Public Schedule for Saturday, September 17, 2005
Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco's Public Schedule Saturday, September 17, 2005
11:00 a.m.
Governor Blanco will travel to Lafayette to visit evacuees who are sheltered there at the Cajundome.
Cajundome
444 Cajundome Blvd.
Lafayette, LA 70506
###
Re-entry dates for evacuees
The following information for evacuees comes from official parish Web sites and statements from parish officials. Access to food, water and utilities is limited in many areas and nonexistent in others. Entry is mostly limited to residents, with I.D. and proof of residence often required.
JEFFERSON PARISH
All Jefferson Parish residents should be completely returned to their homes by 5 a.m. Wednesday. Here is a breakdown of when they can go:
West of the Harvey Canal -- Already open.
East of the Harvey Canal -- at 5 a.m. today
All areas south of Airline Drive -- Already open (includes River Ridge, Elmwood and Old Jefferson with the exception of the Rio Vista subdivision, where residents may be able to return at 5 a.m. Monday.)
Metairie residents east of Kenner to Transcontinental Drive -- at 5 a.m. today
Metairie residents north of I-10 between Transcontinental Drive (on the west) and 17th Street Canal (on the east) -- at 5 a.m. Sunday.
All remaining areas bounded by I-10 (north), Airline (south), Transcontinental (west) and 17th Street Canal (east) -- at 5 a.m. Wednesday.
ORLEANS PARISH
Algiers -- Monday.
French Quarter -- Sept. 26.
Uptown -- phased-in return starting Wednesday, (more information to come).
Central Business District -- Today and Sunday.
PLAQUEMINES PARISH
The mandatory evacuation is over, but some of the parish is still uninhabitable.
Re-entry is limited to the area from Woodland Plantation to Port Sulphur. The East Bank is also open for home inspection. A mandatory curfew from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. is being strictly enforced.
Areas south of Port Sulphur are closed.
The area from Belle Chasse to Woodland Plantation now has normal services including water and electricity. Businesses are being encouraged to return there.
Residents whose homes were destroyed should get what they can from the houses once an area opens up. They are being asked to sign permission forms that will let cleanup crews remove what is left.
ST. BERNARD PARISH
Parish officials have announced a plan to allow residents to return for a limited time to St. Bernard Parish. Residents unable to return on their specified dates will be allowed to return from their scheduled dates until Sept. 30. A dawn-to-dusk curfew will be enforced. Unless significant progress is made on repairing utilities, on Saturday, Oct. 1, all residents must again leave St. Bernard Parish. The decision will be made later. The schedule will be as follows:
Today and Sunday -- Jackson Barracks to Paris Road, St. Bernard Highway to the River.
Monday and Tuesday -- Jackson Barracks to Paris Road, Judge Perez Drive to St. Bernard Highway.
Wednesday and Thursday -- Paris Road to the Violet Canal, Judge Perez Drive to the River.
Friday and Sept. 24 -- Jackson Barracks to Paris Road, all areas north of Judge Perez Drive.
Sept. 25 and 26 -- Paris Road to Palmisano Boulevard, all areas north of Judge Perez Drive.
Sept. 27 and 28 -- Palmisano Boulevard to the Violet Canal, all areas north of Judge Perez Drive.
Sept. 29 and 30 -- all areas below the Violet Canal.
Click here to return to story:
http://www.2theadvocate.com/stories/091705/new_reentrydates001.shtml
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