[StBernard] Hope For The Best, Prepare For The Worst

[Westley Annis]

Dear Friends,

As the Mississippi River continues to rise and threaten our people and
state, we must hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.  Just as we do
before a hurricane comes ashore, it's critical that we take steps now before
any potential flooding starts so that our families and friends are
protected. 

 
<http://images.publicaster.com/ImageLibrary/account848/images/2011-5-12-Jind
al-GOHSEP.JPG> The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says they will make the
decision to open the Morganza Spillway when the river flow meets a certain
target, which they expect to happen as early as Saturday. While the Corps
waits to make the final call, now is the time to make sure you and your
family are prepared in case you need to evacuate. Prepare now, and visit
emergency.la.gov
<http://cl.publicaster.com/ClickThru.aspx?pubids=393%7c7730%7c9390%7c791501&
digest=b99A%2fZeUXqZRX61%2b3KOKtQ&sysid=1>  for updates on the situation.

As WAFB
<http://cl.publicaster.com/ClickThru.aspx?pubids=393%7c7731%7c9390%7c791501&
digest=7c9iT71OT9grwXjvKsLodA&sysid=1>  reported, this week we traveled to
Krotz Springs, Butte La Rose and Morgan City to meet with local officials to
ensure they have the necessary resources in the event of a flood. We're
working on supporting locals to construct projects across the state -
including reinforcing levees and building barriers - in order to protect our
people and property from the flood waters. We also now have 600 members of
the National Guard activated to support preparedness efforts around the
state.  The bottom line is that we're not waiting and we're acting now to
protect our people's lives, property and livelihoods. 

This week I also testified before a legislative committee in support of our
proposal to protect funding for TOPS and sustain this critical program for
future generations. I'm happy to report that the committee approved the
proposal and our bill to protect TOPS is continuing to advance.

Finally, Standard & Poor's issued Louisiana its best credit rating in nearly
30 years. Since 2008, this is the sixth time one of the three major
credit-rating agencies has upgraded our state's credit rating. The
Times-Picayune
<http://cl.publicaster.com/ClickThru.aspx?pubids=393%7c7732%7c9390%7c791501&
digest=mZFKA%2fL4RQv%2bqMGQt%2bcNPw&sysid=1>  said the upgrade is a good
reflection on our economy and shows the state is on the right track for
managing our finances. Every credit upgrade our state receives is a
statement to the world that Louisiana is open for business, and will be for
years to come.

Sincerely,

Governor Bobby Jindal