METAIRIE – This afternoon, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) visited the Rotary Club of New Orleans, and discussed issues of importance to their city, including infrastructure and flood insurance.
“Everyone in Louisiana wants to see our state be safe, secure, and prosperous,” said Dr. Cassidy. “We talked about how the bipartisan infrastructure bill helps achieve this, to decrease the risk of flooding, help coastal restoration and to create more and better-paying jobs. These Rotarians were in total agreement.”
As part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), millions of dollars have already been dedicated to fund bridge improvements across Louisiana, including for the LA-47 Intracoastal Waterway Gulf Outlet Bridge Rehabilitation in New Orleans. Last December, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport received over $14 million in funding from the IIJA. More money will be available through the IIJA for bridges, airports, ports, flood projects and flood mitigation grants.
Cassidy has also worked to help New Orleans fully recover from natural disasters, including Hurricane Katrina. In June, he requested that FEMA extend the August 2023 deadline for the city to use the public assistance it received in the wake of the hurricane. Additionally in June, over $15 million was awarded to the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board for system repairs stemming from Katrina, and over $6 million was awarded in May for Katrina-related expenses.
Finally, Cassidy remains committed to fixing Risk Rating 2.0, so Louisiana homeowners do not face crushing flood insurance rates. He has introduced legislation to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program, freeze current flood insurance rates until FEMA meets certain accountability measures, and publish the formulas used to calculate mitigation credits for policyholders under Risk Rating 2.0. He also met with leaders in the River Region Monday on flood insurance.
Cassidy was welcomed by Mr. Norman Robinson, President of the Rotary Club of New Orleans.
“We thank Senator Cassidy talking with us about the exciting opportunities within his bipartisan infrastructure plan,” said Mr. Robinson. “We wholeheartedly agree with the goal of building roads and bridges, reducing the risk of flooding and helping energy producers compete in the global marketplace. Senator Cassidy and his wife Laura are friends of Rotary and we appreciate their service to our community.”
Later, Cassidy met with members of the Vietnamese community in the New Orleans region, to discuss issues of importance impacting the area.
“I enjoyed meeting with fellow Americans who are part of the Vietnamese community,” said Dr. Cassidy. “The conversation centered around love of country and the desire for members of their community and other communities to do well. I will work with them to that end.”
Cassidy was joined by former U.S. Representative Joseph Cao.
“We appreciate Senator Cassidy meeting with us to discuss issues important to our community,” said Congressman Cao. “Senator Cassidy has been a friend of the Vietnamese community and has always paid attention to our concerns and been available to assist us. We look forward to continuing our relationship with him.”
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