FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 2, 2008

Washington, D.C.—Today, Congressman Jefferson wrote a letter supporting Governor Bobby Jindal’s request that the President declare over fifty Louisiana parishes eligible for individual assistance available under a major disaster Presidential declaration and has mobilized Chairwoman Carolyn Cheeks-Kilpatrick to do the same on behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus.

In addition to Governor Jindal’s request for an expansion of the original emergency declaration to include Category A Public Assistance for debris removal, Congressman Jefferson is calling on the President to waive the public assistance state cost-share.

In the letter, Jefferson says that while “comprehensive damage assessments are not yet complete, hurricane force winds, torrential rain, and storm surge have reportedly resulted in scattered debris, obstructed roads, damaged and collapsed buildings, extensive damage to the electrical grid and six confirmed storm related deaths,” and further states that the declaration could “help accomplish the expeditious return of our residents to their homes.”

Congressman Jefferson also spoke to the urgent need of individual assistance as some evacuees are unable to shoulder the costs of long distance travel, lodging and high gas prices associated with the evacuation.

The Major Disaster Presidential Declaration for Individual Assistance allows for additional federal assistance in the areas of housing, disaster unemployment, crisis counseling and the programs under the auspices of the Small Business Administration.