[StBernard] The LRA Progress Report - September 7, 2006

[Westley Annis]

Governor Blanco Answers Questions from NewsHour Viewers about Katrina Anniversary 

As part of PBS's Online NewsHour's coverage of Hurricane Katrina, one year later, Governor Blanco answered questions about the impact of what has been called the worst natural disaster in U.S. history. Click here <http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/students/blanco_answers.html>  to read her answers to questions about the rebuilding effort. 

Donna Brazile Takes Personal Look Back in Vanity Fair Column 

LRA Board Member Donna Brazile, a Louisiana native who managed Al Gore's 2000 presidential campaign, takes a personal look back at the events and aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in this month's issue of Vanity Fair. Click here <http://www.vanityfair.com/commentary/content/articles/060828roco01>  to read her story. 


PBS Airs "Washing Away: Losing Louisiana" Tonight 

PBS will air a documentary entitled "Washing Away: Losing Louisiana" tonight at 8:00 p.m. CT. The aftermaths of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita are examined one year later. Featured are comments from six Louisianans, including chef Leah Chase; farmer Errol Domingue; former restaurant owner Preston Dore; Marlon Horton, who videotaped Katrina. Click here <http://www.lpb.org/programs/washingaway/>  to learn more. 

Action Plans Published for Public Comment 

The LRA and Office of Community Development published action plan amendments for public comment Friday related to a research commercialization program, low-income housing tax credits, small rental properties and mobile home owners. The public comment period will conclude on Monday, September 11. Citizens, community leaders and elected officials can access the plans online by clicking here <http://www.doa.louisiana.gov/cdbg/dractionplans.htm> and opening Action Plan Amendment 4 or 5 or request a copy by phone by calling (225) 342-7412.

Upcoming events*: 

Monday, September 11, 2006
Event: LRA Economic & Workforce Development Task Force meeting 
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Location: Governor's Press Room, 4th Floor of the State Capitol in Baton Rouge

Thursday, September 14, 2006
Event: LRA Board of Directors meeting 
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: Belle Chasse Auditorium, 8398 Hwy. 23 in Belle Chasse, La.

Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Event: LRA Economic & Workforce Development Task Force meeting 
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Location: Governor's Press Room, 4th Floor of the State Capitol in Baton Rouge

Wednesday, October 11
Event: Audit Committee Task Force
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Location: Oliver Pollock Room of the Galvez Conference Center, 602 North Fifth Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 

Thursday, October 12, 2006
Event: LRA Board of Directors meeting 
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: Terrebonne/Lafourche area (Details to be determined) 


*The Audit Committee Task Force meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 13 has been canceled. 

Meeting agendas are posted on the LRA Web site (at www.lra.louisiana.gov <http://www.lra.louisiana.gov> ) as soon as they are available. All meetings are open to the public.