[StBernard] LRA to Release Guidelines for Fisheries Assistance Program

[Westley Annis]

NOTE: Time and Date Change for Vermilion and Cameron Parishes


LRA to Release Guidelines for Fisheries Assistance Program

Meetings to Be Held in Plaquemines, Vermilion and Cameron 

BATON ROUGE, LA (September 18, 2007) - The Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) in conjunction with the Office of Community Development (OCD) and the LSU Ag Center and Sea Grant Program, will hold three public information sessions, September 25 - September 27 in Plaquemines, Vermilion and Cameron parishes regarding the Fisheries Infrastructure and Assistance Program. At the meetings the LRA and OCD will discuss the proposed guidelines for the Fisheries Infrastructure and Assistance Program and answer any additional questions or concerns of stakeholders in the Louisiana fishing community affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. 

Individual, private, non-profit and public entities that are geographically located such that they can serve Louisiana's coastal fishing community are encouraged to attend the meetings.

6 pm, Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Belle Chasse Auditorium
8398 Hwy. 23
Belle Chasse, LA

6 pm, Wednesday, September 26, 2007


Cameron Court Room - 3rd floor of the Court House
119 Smith Circle
Cameron, LA 70631

6 pm, Thursday, September 27, 2007

LSU AgCenter Extension office 
1105 West Port Street
Abbeville, LA 70510


The Fisheries Infrastructure and Assistance Program is part of a $19 million LRA allocation of CDBG funds that will provide funding assistance for projects that improve the viability and long-term sustainability of the commercial and recreational fisheries of coastal Louisiana. Funding will be provided to projects that:


*	Enhance and ensure continued access to the state's coastal waters for commercial and recreational fishing, eco-tourism, and development of "working waterfronts;" 
*	Create/maintain employment in the commercial and recreational fishing industry; 
*	Preserve the commercial and recreational fishing culture of coastal Louisiana; 
*	Improve the economic efficiency of the fishing industry; and 
*	Create storm harbors that provide vessels with temporary refuge during future storm events.


It is estimated that Hurricanes Katrina and Rita destroyed more than $528 million in fisheries infrastructure in the Louisiana fishing communities


* All meetings are open to the public.

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated South Louisiana, claiming 1,464 lives, destroying more than 200,000 homes and 18,000 businesses. The Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) is the planning and coordinating body that was created in the aftermath of these storms by Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco to lead one of the most extensive rebuilding efforts in the world. The LRA is a 33-member body which is coordinating across jurisdictions, supporting community recovery and resurgence, ensuring integrity and effectiveness, and planning for the recovery and rebuilding of Louisiana. 

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