Statement from Senator Landrieu on Hurricane Isaac
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., released the following statement today regarding Hurricane Isaac’s impact on Louisiana:
“Hurricane Isaac, while only a Category 1 storm, is nasty and determined. It continues to hover over the region, dumping flooding rains on a large swath of the Gulf Coast and driving winds that have left hundreds of thousands without power.
“The federal government has been working with state and local officials and non-profit relief agencies to prepare for Isaac, and to quickly provide whatever assistance is needed during the storm and in its aftermath. FEMA and the Coast Guard stand by ready to assist as soon as the winds diminish, with Administrator Craig Fugate personally directing the agency’s response from Baton Rouge. In addition, DHS Sec. Janet Napolitano—as well as President Obama himself—continue to be in regular communications with state and local leadership.
“The good news is that the re-engineered and rebuilt federal levee system—with the $14.5 billion investment that came after Hurricane Katrina—is holding. There have been no reports of major damage so far within the protected area.
“Unfortunately, that’s not been the case for low-lying areas outside the federal system, in particular lower Jefferson and Plaquemines parishes. It’s heartbreaking to watch people climb out of their attics and onto their roofs in search of safety. Hurricane Isaac has reinforced for us once again just how vulnerable these critical areas are. We must re-engage the Corps of Engineers on this. There are still too many areas without protection, and we have a lot of work left to do.”
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