It’s estimated it will take at least one year to recover from the historic floods. That’s according LSU economist Jim Richardson, who says the biggest issue is housing for those who lost their homes, which cannot be solved overnight…
cut 13 (10) “…availability”
Richardson says many victims of the flooding did not have flood insurance, which will force some to go into debt to restore their home.

The state estimates 60-thousand homes were damaged by floods, which is leading to a housing crunch in the Capital City area. Greater Baton Rouge Association of Realtors president Tiffany Palmer says if families are able to find rentals, they could run into leasing problems, because most landlords want to sign leases for at least six months….
cut 4 (09) “…have one”

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says volunteers are needed to help flooded homeowners get the muck out of their homes. GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele says many flood victims are elderly and not able to repair the damage….
cut 11 (09) “…large area”
Steele says you can sign up to volunteer at volunteer-louisiana-dot-gov.

The Amite River, which contributed to much of the flooding in southeast Louisiana is expected to fall below flood stage later today. But Freddie Zeigler, senior forecaster at the National Weather Service in Slidell, says the flood event is not over as backwater remains a problem in some areas…
cut 16 (06) “…drain out”
The state estimated at least 40 highways remain flooded.