[StBernard] LRA Progress Report - March 28, 2008

[Westley Annis]

In this issue:

*	Extension Announced for Red Cross Emotional Support Services
*	"Forever New Orleans" to Air on Travel Channel
*	Easter Weekend Race Draws Big Crowds
*	St. Charles Streetcar Route Down Carrolton to Reopen
*	Spring Breakers Give Back to Louisiana

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Extension Announced for Red Cross Emotional Support Services

The Red Cross is extending the enrollment deadline for its Emotional Support Program until May 31, 2008. The program assists survivors of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma to receive outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment. More than 21,000 people have signed up for the program.

Enroll in the Emotional Support Program online at http://www.a2care.org <http://www.a2care.org>  or by calling toll-free 1-866-794-HOPE. The Emotional Support Program focuses on reducing financial barriers to mental health and substance abuse services. Once enrolled, survivors have until November 14, 2008 t! o receive services. 



"Forever New Orleans TV" to Air on Travel Channel

"Forever New Orleans TV," a television program created by the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), will air on the Travel Channel in April. The show, hosted by Emmy award-winning reporter Karen Carlson, showcases the city's culture, restaurants, attractions, accommodations and spirit and resilience of New Orleanians.

"Forever New Orleans TV" was first seen in 119 million homes in 51 countries through Europe, the Middle East and North Africa in 2007. The first four episodes will be featured on Sunday, April 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2008. All airings will be at 7:30 a.m. Central. 

*	Click here <http://www.fnotv.com>  for episode previews.


Easter Weekend Race Draws Big Crowds

More than 17,000 people pounded the pavement during this year's Crescent City Classic, a higher number of participants than pre-Hurricane Katrina. The 30th edition of the race, held annually on the Saturday before Easter, drew 17,500 participants from 45 states and 10 countries. That's up from 15,000 in 2007 and 14,000 in 2006. 


St. Charles Streetcar Route Down Carrolton to Reopen

Full service on the St. Charles streetcar should resume in coming weeks. The Times-Picayune reports that RTA General Manager Mark Major told members of the City Council's Ground Transportation Committee that repair work on the line from St. Charles to its terminus at South Carrollton and South Claiborne avenues should be finished and full service should begin in early May. A ceremonial grand reopening likely will take place in late May. Service along the first leg of the St. Charles streetcar line resumed in late December, 2007. 

*	Click here <http://www.norta.com/>  to visit the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority's Web site


Spring Breakers Give Back to Louisiana

New Orleans was named one of the top 10 spring break destinations for 2008 by StudentUniverse.com, an online travel agency specializing in vacations for college students. But Bourbon Street isn't the only draw for college students. According to various media reports, hundreds of young people from across the country are choosing to give back to Louisiana this spring.

As part of United Way's Alternative Spring Break, about 400 18 - 24 year-olds worked rebuild houses, repair local schools, and rebuild camp shelters and a nature trail damaged by Hurricane Rita during the month of March. Other students worked with groups like Catholic Charities, the Sierra Club and Habitat of Humanity on projects throughout south Louisiana. 

*	Click here <http://blog.unitedway.org/asb/>  to visit the United Way's Alternative Spring Break blog


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 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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