Jindal to Obama: More Isaac aid

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal is asking President Barack Obama for more federal help as Tropical Storm Isaac approaches the Gulf Coast, urging him to reimburse Louisiana for the full cost of its preparations.

“Given the extraordinary developments of this storm and its approaching impact on the State of Louisiana, I ask that you exercise your discretion to approve the State’s pending request for all emergency protective measures,” Jindal, a Republican, wrote in a letter to Obama. “Further, I ask that you consider a cost-share adjustment to eliminate the State’s non-federal share of the costs for this event.”


Obama’s original disaster declaration, issued Monday, doesn’t cover the expenses Louisiana is racking up as it prepares for Isaac, according to Jindal’s letter. Louisiana has already spent $8 million, Jindal wrote. The declaration provides for direct federal assistance, for which the state will bear 25 percent of the cost.

“A core responsibility of the federal government is to protect the lives and property of its citizens when threatened,” Jindal wrote. “This disaster declaration will help ensure that we best protect life and property in our state.”

Isaac is expected to develop into a hurricane by the time it makes landfall and is expected to hit Louisiana, including New Orleans, which was devastated by Hurricane Katrina seven years ago this week.