Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr. (R-Lafayette) today issued the following statement remembering Hurricane Rita, which made landfall on September 24, 2007:

“Only two years ago, a terrible storm devastated Southwest Louisiana.  One of the most powerful storms to ever hit the United States, Hurricane Rita paralyzed our communities, tore families apart, and changed our way of life.  It is only through perseverance, teamwork, and courage that we have overcome so much.  While much work remains, the spirit in Southwest Louisiana is stronger than it has ever been.

Across Southwest Louisiana, the rebuilding effort continues.  Homes, businesses, and community buildings go up alongside the slabs of their former locations.  These visible reminders present clear signs of both the initial destruction and the commitment to restoring our way of life, once thought lost.  This is a testament to our strength of will in Southwest Louisiana, and I am proud to call it home.

In Washington, I worked across the aisle to achieve support for the rebuilding effort, cutting through bureaucracy and red tape to ensure federal assistance could be expedited.  Federal agencies, local government officials, and individuals have come together rebuilding Southwest Louisiana.  Many of these agencies, such as FEMA, were at first ill-equipped for the effort, but hard work and determination have led to accomplishments.

I remain committed to fighting for the help we need in Southwest Louisiana.  This is not an easy battle, but the American people understand and appreciate our hard work.  They realize the importance of our area to the economic prosperity of our great nation.  Coastline reclamation, emergency preparedness, and sound infrastructure can help prevent the devastation caused by Hurricane Rita.  On this day, in addition to remembering Hurricane Rita, we thank all those who continue to lend their generosity and support.

We will continue to rebuild.  We will continue to grow stronger, and we will continue our way of life.  There is no doubt Southwest Louisiana is alive and strong.”