PRESS RELEASES - Thursday, September 9, 2008
DSS Releases Disaster Food Stamp Update
Department of Social Services Secretary Ann Silverberg Williamson reiterated her call to the federal government to waive the face-to-face interview requirement for Disaster Food Stamp applicants tonight. “This is not an average disaster, we have a very widespread area of people impacted by this storm and they need assistance in a more efficient and timely manner," said Williamson. Despite long lines, DSS employees processed 30,290 Disaster Food Stamp applicants were processed from the 31 parishes.
9/9/08 Update on Water Systems under Boil Advisory
Hurricane Gustav has caused widespread power outages and damage to drinking water systems throughout Louisiana.
LDAF Helps Red Cross And Schools To Stock Pantries
Thousands of hot meals are being served to Louisiana residents in areas affected by Hurricane Gustav through a partnership between the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
LDAF Commisioner Continues State Tour
Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Mike Strain, D.V.M. will meet with farmers and other agribusiness professionals on Wednesday, September 10 at the Ville Platte Rice Dryer at 8 a.m.
On Thursday, September 11, Strain will meet again with farmers and agribusiness professionals at the Pointe Coupee Farmers Co-op on Hwy. 1 in Batchelor at 8 a.m.
State Fisheries Report Provides Early Look At Hurricane Gustav Impacts
Southeast and south central coastal Louisiana appear to have been the most heavily affected regions, with the loss of ice making capacity a prime concern for commercial fishermen. In addition, fish kills are affecting both recreational and commercial fishing interests. The Atchafalaya Basin is showing early signs of mass fish mortalities not seen since Hurricane Andrew in 1992.
Office of Coastal Protection and Restoration Issues Contract for Grand Isle Shoreline Protection
The Office of Coastal Protection and Restoration (OCPR) began directing resources to Grand Isle Tuesday, Sept. 9 to build additional shoreline protection in areas damaged by Hurricane Gustav, including the east end of Grand Isle near Barataria Pass.
Louisiana Chief Medical Officer Continues to Update Number of Gustav Fatalities
In addition to the 25 fatalities related to Gustav confirmed as of Monday, Sept. 8, one additional fatality was confirmed today, bringing the total fatalities related to Hurricane Gustav to 26. The fatality confirmed today was the death of a Washington Parish resident who died of natural causes.
Department of Social Services News Update
DSS Releases Updated Disaster Food Stamp Application Sites
The Department of Social Services released an updated list of the application sites where residents in 31 eligible parishes can go to apply for Disaster Food Stamps. Lines are long and in order to ensure that people are not standing in the heat unnecessarily; in some parishes applicants are being asked to return tomorrow. This process will last for seven consecutive days. 9/9/08 Update On Water Systems Under Boil Advisory
Hurricane Gustav has caused widespread power outages and damage to drinking water systems throughout Louisiana.
Parish Specific Updates
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