[StBernard] LRA Executive Director, Board Members Push Recovery Initiatives in Meeting with Federal Coordinator

[Westley Annis]

 Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) Executive Director Andy Kopplin and LRA Board members welcomed Donald Powell, Coordinator of Federal Support for the Gulf Coast's Recovery Effort, to Louisiana on his first official visit in his new role. 

LRA Board Chairman Dr. Norman Francis asked that LRA Board members Sean Reilly, Boysie Bollinger and Virgil Robinson join Kopplin in discussions with Mr. Powell during a dinner meeting Monday evening.ﾠ Kopplin also participated in a meeting Tuesday morning with Mr. Powell and Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco.

Powell reiterated President Bush's commitment to rebuilding the Gulf Coast.

"Chairman Powell emphasized his agreement with and support of the LRA's number one federal priority - creating safety through improved hurricane protection levees and coastal restoration projects.ﾠ He pledged to work with the LRA and other federal, state and local partners on developing a master plan that can be implemented in the coming months and years," stated Kopplin.

In his discussions with Kopplin and LRA Board members, Powell said that he would make frequent visits to Louisiana during the planning and recovery process.

The LRA, a 26- member body appointed by Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco to identify and prioritize short and long-term needs of the recovery, is the planning and coordinating body that will assist in implementing the Governor's vision for the recovery of Louisiana.ﾠ It will seek out and value local input as it plans and implements the recovery.

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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.

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