Pres. Biden declares disaster in 8 Louisiana parishes

By Greg LaRose
Contributing Writer

(lailluminator.com) — President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration last Tuesday for eight Louisiana parishes that saw the greatest impact from Hurricane Francine earlier this month. More parishes could be added as state officials continue to assess damage, according to Gov. Jeff Landry.

The declaration covers Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes.

The action from the White House paves the way for the federal government to reimburse Louisiana for any recovery-related costs it cannot cover on its own.

“This federal assistance is vital to help Louisiana rebuild in the aftermath of Hurricane Francine. I appreciate the hard work our federal delegation, local officials and our administration put in to get this over the finish line, ” Landry said in a statement.

State officials ask that Louisiana residents and business owners from the eight designated parishes begin the application process for assistance. Three options are available: log on to DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or use the FEMA App.

This article originally published in the September 23, 2024 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.