Boustany’s call for more assistance heeded, FEMA issues additional disaster declarations

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued additional federal disaster declarations for 16 parishes in Louisiana on Tuesday, bringing the total number to 20 parishes.

“For residents in these parishes, FEMA’s disaster declaration comes with the relief that help is on the way. But more work needs to be done,” U.S. Rep. Charles Boustany (R-LA) said.

The declarations follow a letter sent on Monday by Boustany to President Barack Obama seeking more assistance in Louisiana in response to widespread and severe flooding.

Boustany sent his letter asking for more Major Disaster Presidential Declarations on Monday, when a federal disaster declaration had been made for only four parishes – East Baton Rouge, Livingston, St. Helena and Tangipahoa.

“The flooding has turned our roads into rivers, washed away homes, and forced more than 10,000 individuals to seek temporary shelter,” Boustany said on Monday in calling for additional aid. “Louisianans are resilient and ready to rebuild, but we need some assistance to get back on our feet.”

Prior to FEMA’s Tuesday declaration, Boustany discussed the need for additional parishes to receive disaster declarations with FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate in Baton Rouge.

“I am thankful FEMA Administrator Fugate came to Louisiana to personally see the damage caused by this historic flooding,” Boustany said. “At our meeting, I explained to Administrator Fugate there are many more parishes in my district, including Jefferson Davis and St. Martin, that need a federal disaster declaration as soon as possible. For residents of these parishes, they now have the certainty that comes with access to federal disaster assistance as our state rebuilds.”

Tuesday’s FEMA declarations, which Boustany said in his letter to Obama, would help ease the fear and uncertainty of many Louisianans, were for the parishes of Acadia, Ascension, Avoyelles, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Pointe Coupee, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Vermilion Washington and West Feliciana.

Throughout the historic disaster, Boustany has continually monitored, met with and surveyed damage with Louisiana officials and the Louisiana delegation.

“I will continue working with my congressional colleagues, Governor John Bel Edwards, and other state and local officials to ensure Louisiana residents have all the help they need to get back on their feet,” Boustany said.