PRESS RELEASES
1/15/2005
Contact: Adam Terry
(318) 259-8260
VITTER CRITICIZES DENIAL OF FEDERAL FUNDS FOR OLLA
By Mandy M. Goodnight
The Town Talk
OLLA -- .S. Sen. David Vitter and U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander stood Friday in what was once the LaSalle High School weight room.
Only the frame of a weight lifting bench and a pile of concrete remained.
"I can't believe three boys were here and survived," Vitter said. "It is a miracle."
Vitter and Alexander, both R-La., were in Olla to meet with town officials, charity organizations and residents to discuss what is being done to help the town rebuild from a devastating tornado.
Following the meeting, the pair took a short tour of the town. Friday was not Alexander's first trip to the tornado-ravaged town, but it was the first trip for Vitter, who took office as senator earlier this month.
On Nov. 23, a tornado touched down in Olla, destroying 167 homes and killing one person.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied federal assistance, but Gov. Kathleen Blanco is appealing the decision with the help of the state's congressional delegation.
Vitter called FEMA's denial of funds "flat-out wrong."
The newly elected Republican senator took a short tour through town, stopping at the old high school and the new temporary one, located at the Holloway Building.
At the old high school, there was only one fence standing. It is around the softball field so the school's team could play home games.
The remainder of the school was filled with holes in the ceiling, busted windows and parts of the roof strewn across campus.
At the school's new location, Vitter spoke with students and faculty, seeing what the school system accomplished.
Kevin Thompson, a LaSalle High School student, lost his home and is continuing to stay with relatives.
He said he, like his family, is disappointed in the FEMA decision but could do nothing but try to move on.
Many of the homes in town are covered with blue and white tarps. There are some standing walls or concrete slabs where houses once stood.
Charles Cameron and his brothers were on top of a Main Street house repairing the roof. The four men own Cameron Brothers Roofing and Home Repairs.
Charles Cameron said those with insurance are starting to receive money to make repairs, but he noted there are many who don't have insurance.
He and his brothers expect to be busy until sometime next year with work in Olla.
With more than 30 percent of victims not having insurance, many homes could stay unrepaired for some time.
Vitter said FEMA regulations do not have an established threshold for recommending assistance, and the organization should look again at helping Olla.
Vitter expressed his disappointment in a phone conversation with FEMA's Undersecretary Michael Brown.
Alexander could simply apologize to the people of Olla on Friday. He also expressed his disappointment in FEMA's decision and asked residents to remain patient.
Alexander said the politicians also are frustrated, but "we are on your side."
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