Press Releases

SOUTH LOUISIANA – U.S. Congressman Garret Graves released the following statement after President Biden approved the State of Louisiana's Disaster Declaration today. Graves called upon the president to issue a presidential disaster declaration on May 25, 2021 for the Capital Region, Southwest Louisiana and additional parishes in South Louisiana.

"Thank you to POTUS for approving a disaster declaration for Louisiana. We will continue to push for Assumption, Lafourche, Livingston and St. Charles parishes to receive assistance. This severe rainstorm and flooding exacerbated the strain already placed on our communities as we still recover from the pandemic, the freeze earlier this year, and the 2020 hurricane season. I hope President Biden and the respective federal agencies give weight to the compounding effects of these recent disasters that have fatigued local recovery resources and disaster survivors alike. We will continue working with state, local and federal officials to make sure that victims – no matter the parish – have the opportunity to fully recover," Graves said.

The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in the parishes of Ascension, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Iberville and Lafayette.

The disaster assistance covers damages incurred May 17 – 21, 2021 from the severe weather. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Graves will continue to urge for assistance for other parishes including Assumption, Lafourche, Livingston and St. Charles parishes.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated parishes can begin applying for assistance by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

Graves encourages impacted constituents to reach out to one of the Louisiana 6^th Congressional District Offices nearby if in need of assistance. Locations and contact information can be found here.