Sixteen more Louisiana parishes have been added to FEMA’s list of federal disaster areas bringing the total number of parishes to 23 that will be eligible for federal aid, like temporary housing, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property and money for home repairs. That request was granted after Governor John Bel Edwards asked the federal government to expand the federal disaster area.
The Red Cross has already been active throughout the state assisting people impacted by the flooding. Red Cross spokesperson Nancy Malone says hundreds of disaster workers are responding in and around Louisiana. She says over 200 people stayed overnight in the 14 Red Cross and community run shelters across Louisiana.
Cut 8 (08) “in 2012”
Malone says people can make a $10 donation to the Red Cross by texting the word “REDCROSS” to 90999.
Officials in Livingston Parish have also been working around the clock dealing with flood waters and residents who were displaced from their homes. Sheriff Jason Ard says they saw high levels in Springfield, Holden and Denham Springs…:
Ard says they’ve rescued over 100 people since the flood event started.
Louisiana has the highest incarceration rate in the country. Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Johnson wants to reduce the number of low level inmates, which she says will save the state money. She says out greatest resource is out people, so the state needs to invest in programs to provide more job opportunities.
Cut 12 (09) “connection there”