Drill’em Camp sparking basketball surge in south Lafourche
September 2, 2015
Sports Picks are here!
September 4, 2015
It was 10 years ago when we lost so much because of Hurricane Katrina. The horrific scenes of families on rooftops, homes completely under water, businesses abandoned – these memories will stay with us forever.
And in the 10 years since, Louisianians have fought hard to rebuild, recover and have a rebirth. It’s our innate strength, determination and resilience that have been the driving forces behind our recovery and is a good indicator that our future is brighter than ever.
Even now, while much progress has been made, there is much more work to do. We are certainly better off in southeast Louisiana than the day before Katrina, but the job isn’t done yet. That’s why I pledge my ongoing commitment to work with the Army Corps of Engineers, FEMA, state agencies and local communities to make sure storm protection and levees and coastal restoration remain a priority.
Just last year, I was able to pass the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) into law, which made critical reforms to the Corps that reduce red tape, expedite construction and hold them accountable to a higher standard. My legislation also instituted a national levee safety program that provides local leadership with the necessary tools to ensure that their communities have the ability to repair and rehabilitate levees that were built to protect them.
These are just a few of the positive changes I’ve been working on to make sure that Louisiana is protected in the future. But the flood protection system is just one part of ensuring a brighter future. Citizens and elected officials need to commit to making our communities safer, and that absolutely includes fighting the crime epidemic currently rearing its ugly head. Natural disasters and violent criminals aren’t going to wait for us to tell them when we’re ready – we need strong leadership and focus to protect our people now. Ten years of positive recovery is far too important to let thugs ruin it.
The threat of natural disaster will always remain for those of us living in Louisiana, but let’s get a grip on the things we can control – like fighting violent crime. I know that in the years to come, Louisianians will continue to demonstrate their resolve and spirit as we rebuild and recover from Hurricane Katrina. And as long as we continue working together, our future will bright.
