Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and John Kennedy (R-LA), U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA-04), U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA-01), and U.S. Representatives Clay Higgins (R-LA-03), Garret Graves (R-LA-06), Julia Letlow (R-LA-05), and Troy Carter (D-LA-02) have urged President Joe Biden to approve Louisiana’s request for an expedited major disaster declaration in response to Hurricane Francine.

“We write in support of Governor Jeff Landry’s request for an expedited major disaster declaration in response to Hurricane Francine, which made landfall in Louisiana on September 11, 2024,” wrote the Louisiana delegation. “As you know, Hurricane Francine formed as a Tropical Storm in the Gulf of Mexico on September 9, 2024, before intensifying and making landfall as a Category 2 hurricane. The storm brought heavy rainfall, a life-threatening storm surge, and sustained winds of 100 mph.”

“Specifically, Governor Landry has requested Individual and Public Assistance for the following parishes: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington and West Baton Rouge. Additionally Governor Landry has requested statewide assistance for Hazard Mitigation and a 100% federal cost share for Categories A and B for 30 days,” continued the Louisiana delegation.

Prior to Hurricane Francine’s landfall the delegation urged President Joe Biden to approve Louisiana’s request for a federal emergency declaration.

Read the full letter here or below:

President Biden,

We write in support of Governor Jeff Landry’s request for an expedited major disaster declaration in response to Hurricane Francine which made landfall in Louisiana on September 11 2024.

As you know Hurricane Francine formed as a Tropical Storm in the Gulf of Mexico on September 9 2024 before intensifying and making landfall as a Category 2 hurricane The storm brought heavy rainfall a life-threatening storm surge and sustained winds of 100 mph Hurricane Francine continued north bringing heavy winds and rain to communities across the state It has caused widespread damage that necessitates assistance from the federal government

Specifically Governor Landry has requested Individual and Public Assistance for the following parishes Ascension Assumption East Baton Rouge Iberia Iberville Jefferson Lafayette Lafourche Livingston Orleans Plaquemines St Bernard St Charles St Helena St James St John the Baptist St Martin St Mary St Tammany Tangipahoa Terrebonne Washington West Baton Rouge Additionally Governor Landry has requested statewide assistance for Hazard Mitigation and a 100% federal cost share for Categories A and B for 30 days

We ask for your swift consideration and approval of an expedited major disaster declaration for the State of Louisiana These resources are necessary as we begin the recovery process

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