Storm Aid Ready to Flow

A total of $565.3 million in federal community development block grants will be distributed to 53 parishes in Louisiana to help them recover from hurricanes Ike and Gustav, which hit the state in 2008.

Paul Rainwater, executive director of the Louisiana Recovery Authority, said the funds will be distributed directly to the parishes rather than be allocated by the agency.

“Pushing dollars directly to parishes and cities allows recovery decisions to be made in the most devastated communities, instead of creating large programs envisioned and run out of Baton Rouge,” Rainwater said.

The amount going to each parish is based on post-storm damage assessments by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Terrebonne Parish will receive $123.3 million, the largest of the 53 grants. Second is Cameron Parish with $53.1 million, followed by Iberville Parish with $44.2 million.

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