Shreveport, LA – According to the state officials, Gov. Landry was in contact with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and the White House regarding the State’s request and expressed optimism about its approval.
GOHSEP (Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness) Director Jacques Thibodeaux also engaged with FEMA Region 6 concerning this critical step.
The disaster declaration request encompassed two different FEMA categories:
1. **FEMA Category A for debris removal**: This category would allow parishes to be reimbursed for debris removal or directly supported in that work.
2. **FEMA Category B for emergency protective measures**: This category covers potential sheltering or evacuation costs and permits federal resources to be used for lifesaving or life-sustaining work.
The declaration aimed to provide vital support for the communities grappling with significant cleanup and recovery efforts following the storm.