[StBernard] Update From State Representative Nita Rusich Hutter

[Westley Annis]

Update From State Representative Nita Rusich Hutter

January 25, 2006


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COMMUNITY MEETING UPDATES CITIZENS

Hutter, Officials Provide Information on Recovery

            A community meeting hosted by State Representative Nita Rusich
Hutter drew a crowd of citizens eager to be updated on the recovery effort.
Congressman Charlie Melancon, Parish President Junior Rodriguez, Louisiana
Recovery Authority and Citizens Recovery Committee member Walter Leger,
Council Vice Chairman Joey DiFatta, and Nunez Community College Chancellor,
Dr. Tommy Warner, all participated in the meeting held on Saturday, January
21 at Nunez Community College.

             "We were successful in bringing together members of the public
with various officials who were able to provide essential information to our
residents," stated Rep.  Hutter.   "I was very pleased at the response from
federal, state and local officials who attended this forum and thank them
for their input."

            Congressman Charlie Melancon discussed pending federal
legislation and the ongoing work related to assisting residents and business
owners in the area.  Rep. Hutter relayed information about the $100 million
available in bridge loans to businesses through the Department of Economic
Development.  Further information is available through the department's
website at www.led.state.la.us.

            President Rodriguez provided an overview of the trip to the
Netherlands.    Additionally, he delivered news that FEMA has agreed to
reimburse the parish for the 6,000 trailers that the parish had procured and
that their delivery would begin very soon.  He also reported that the parish
should begin receiving reimbursement from FEMA for debris removal from the
parish.

Chancellor Tommy Warner announced that 450 students have registered for
Spring classes.  Registration would continue for several more days and he
expected that number to grow.  "We are back and we are ready and open for
business!" exclaimed Dr. Warner, whose comments were cheered by all.


            Mr. Leger gave an update on the work of the Louisiana Recovery
Authority and Councilman DiFatta discussed the continuation of the Council's
involvement in making improvements to assist residents to return home in a
timely manner. 

Local club members that attended provided updates about their work and their
future plans.  Organizations that participated were the Chalmette Track
Club, the Kiwanis Club of St. Bernard-Arabi the Knights of Columbus
Archbishop Joseph F. Rummel Council, Nunez Community College Gamma Beta Phi,
Operation Merry Christmas, the Rotary Club of St. Bernard, the St. Bernard
Business and Professional Women's Club, the St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce,
and the St. Bernard Community Playground. 

Staff members from Senators David Vitter and Mary Landrieu were also in
attendance.   Mr. Tim Wilson, Federal E.P.A., was present to answer
questions on environmental issues.