WASHINGTON, Aug 28: Indian-American Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal has asked US President Barack Obama to provide more aid to his State as he prepares for contingencies for the tropical storm Isaac which is expected to hit Louisiana in the form of a hurricane this evening.
Jindal, who has cancelled his trip to Tampa to address the Republican National Convention so that he can focus on the preparedness of the major storm that is likely to hit he State, last evening sought off a letter to Obama expressing dissatisfaction over what he termed as “limited” federal aid.
While Jindal is from the Republican Party, Obama is leader of the Democratic party.
Jindal’s letter to Obama came hours after the President spoke with him over phone, declared federal emergency in Louisiana and directed his officials to provide all support to the Jindal Administration in the State.
“Your limited declaration does not provide for reimbursement of expenses that the state is taking to prepare for the storm,” Jindal said, according to the copy of the letter released to the press.
“As of 5 pm Central time today, the National Weather Service forecast this storm to strengthen to a Category 2 hurricane and squarely impact the State of Louisiana. The increased urgency of the situation necessitates that we re-emphasize the request for full federal assistance for the State,” he wrote.
The projected path of the storm has continued to shift westward and now threatens the entire Louisiana, he said.
“The speed with which this threat developed has necessitated extraordinary emergency protective measures at the State and local government level,” he said.
“Given the extraordinary developments of this storm and its approaching impact on the State of Louisiana, I ask that you exercise your discretion to approve the State’s pending request for all emergency protective measures,” Jindal said.
“Further, I ask that you consider a cost-share adjustment to eliminate the State’s non-federal share of the costs for this event. When threatened with extraordinary disasters, states depend upon the availability of the full spectrum of assistance available under the Stafford Act,” he demanded. (agencies)
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