Katrina Victims: Justice is Coming

Less than two months into his new administration, President Obama is ratcheting up his focus on rebuilding the Gulf Coast. Earlier this week, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan and Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano participated in a listening tour of New Orleans and other Katrina-devastated areas. The two Cabinet officers announced hundreds of millions dollars of new recovery funds. http://www.bayoubuzz.com/News/Louisiana/Politics/US_Louisiana_Leaders_Tour_New_Orleans_Area_And_Make_Committments__8479.asp

“Today, we turn the page and start a new chapter in the federal partnership with communities throughout Louisiana,” said Donovan. “HUD will work very closely with our counterparts at the state and local level to make certain families can continue to live and work in the Bayou State, whether it's producing affordable rental housing, supporting our most vulnerable citizens, or stimulating the state’s employment base.”

“Our commitment to the Gulf Coast remains unwavering and our determination to bring to completion many of the projects is still underway,” said DHS Secretary Napolitano. “A lot of progress has been made to help the region recover, but it is abundantly clear that there are still areas where progress has stalled, bureaucracy has set-in, and people continue to struggle. My goal is to eliminate the red tape, help rebuild now and rebuild the region stronger than ever.”

The total package—including extending relocation assistance for Katrina victims—is estimated to exceed a half billion dollars.

This is a good start toward on President Obama’s promises to make Gulf Coast recovery a priority.