Scalise Statement on the Fifth Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

Washington, DC -- Congressman Steve Scalise today issued the following statement on the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s landfall in Southeast Louisiana.

“Hurricane Katrina brought unprecedented destruction to South Louisiana, and while much progress has been made, there is still much more work left to be done to complete our recovery. Today we pause to remember the damage done by the storm and pay tribute to those who lost their lives, while also looking with hope toward the future. Katrina is a story of the strength and perseverance of the people of South Louisiana. We will not stop working until we have achieved our ultimate goal of rebuilding better, stronger, and smarter than before the storm.

“Earlier this week I attended the grand re-opening of Salmen High School in Slidell, and I continue to be encouraged by signs of recovery throughout the region, but there is still much more work that needs to be done. The recent BP oil spill has underscored the national importance of Louisiana’s coast, and it is critical that Louisiana receive a commitment from the administration in support of Category 5 hurricane protection that includes restoration of our coast as well as barriers to protect Lake Pontchartrain from storm surge. Comprehensive hurricane and flood protection is critical to Southeast Louisiana, and I will continue working to get the President to support barrier protection at the Rigolets and Chef Pass, and commit to fully-funding coastal restoration in South Louisiana.

“While there is still more work ahead of us, the people of South Louisiana are resilient and will continue to meet the challenges we face. I will continue to work with our entire Louisiana Congressional Delegation to ensure that Louisiana’s hurricane protection and coastal restoration needs are finally met and successfully implemented.”

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Contact: Stephen Bell
202-226-9113