Louisiana is seeking federal assistance for the state’s fishing industry. Assistant Secretary of Fisheries Patrick Banks says mortality rates for oysters are high and fish catches are down because of fresh water entering Lake Ponchatrain and eventually the gulf because of the opening of the Bonnet Carre Spillway. Banks says the amount of federal aid needed is unclear and will remain so until the Bonnet Carre closes…
cut 12 (09) “…make that determination”
An Army Corps of Engineers spokesperson says it could be another month before the spillway is closed.

The ball is in the state’s court when it comes to getting Louisiana Restore Grant money to 2016 flood victims who were initially denied federal aid because they received an S-B-A loan. HUD has approved the guidelines and State Office of Community Development Executive Director Pat Forbes says Louisiana has to write the final rules and get them approved…
cut 9 (09) “….very shortly”

Southwest Louisiana Republicans held a straw poll in the town of Iowa and Congressman Ralph Abraham is the preferred choice over fellow republican Eddie Rispone in the governor’s race….
voicer 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”