[StBernard] TASK FORCE PELICAN Update for the week of: Monday, October 17, 2005

[Westley Annis]

TASK FORCE PELICAN Update for the week of: Monday  October 17, 2005 

Summary of Information 

Louisiana Recovery Authority- Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco today
announced the creation of the Louisiana Recovery Authority as the guiding
agency to lead the state's rebuilding efforts. The authority will focus on
key state issues such as housing, jobs, transportation, healthcare and
education. 

Bridge Loan Program for Louisiana Businesses- On Monday, Oct. 17, Governor
Kathleen Babineaux Blanco announced the details of a new $10 million state
bridge loan program for small businesses impacted by the recent hurricanes. 

One Span of I-10 Across Lake Pontchartrain was Opened last Friday- 17 days
ahead of schedule 

Transportation Updates- Main Road/Bridge Closures 

Environmental Updates- DEQ tests show that Lake Pontchartrain has been
largely unaffected by the pumping of floodwaters by New Orleans. 

Power and Communication Utilities- As of today 130,000 Louisianians are
without power and 270,000 are without telephone services. 

Oil & Gas Operations- The Department of Natural Resources continues to
assess critical energy needs in Louisiana. 

Hospitals- All hospitals are operational, except some hospitals in mandatory
evacuation areas. 

Education- Superintendent of Education Cecil J. Picard laid out the needs of
school systems across the state that need to be addressed in the November
Special Session. 

Information for Displaced Students, Faculty and Staff (College & University)


Mandatory Evacuation Orders- Curfew information 

Fatalities- At this time, state officials, working in conjunction with
coroners from local parishes, have recovered 1,035 bodies. 

Unemployment Insurance & Disaster Assistance- The Louisiana Department of
Labor has paid $181 million claims to 240,000 people, and Rita claims to
41,000. 

Louisiana Shelter Information- Approximately 7,384 citizens remain in 135
in-state general population shelters, while 7,488 citizens remain in 184
general population shelters out-of-state. 

Disaster Food Stamp Program- The Louisiana Department of Social Services has
provided approximately $197 million in benefits to 347,000 households
impacted by Katrina. 

Corrections Information- As of Friday, DOC is coordinating the housing of
6,435 inmate evacuees. 

Hunting Season Update- Portions of the hunting areas and seasons that were
previously closed due to the catastrophic impacts of Hurricanes Katrina and
Rita are being reopened. 

National Guard Soldiers- There are approximately 12,000 National Guard
soldiers on the ground under the command of Governor Blanco. 

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The Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation (LDRF), Louisiana's fund for
Louisiana's people, has been established by Governor Kathleen Babineaux
Blanco in order to support long-term family restoration and recovery and
help provide assistance to our citizens in need through a network of
Louisiana charities and non-profit agencies. 

1-877-HELPLA1 (877-435-7521) www.louisianahelp.org