This Tuesday marks the first anniversary of Katrina --
one of the deadliest and most costly natural disasters in American
history. In Mississippi, the storm wiped out virtually everything along
an 80-mile stretch of the coast, flattening homes and destroying entire
communities. In Louisiana, flooding left 80 percent of the city of New
Orleans underwater. The human costs were even more terrible. More than a
thousand people died, countless families lost their homes and
livelihoods, and tens of thousands of men, women, and children were
forced to flee the region and leave behind everything they knew.
During the storm and in the days that followed, Americans responded
with heroism and compassion. Coast Guard and other personnel rescued
people stranded in flooded neighborhoods and brought them to high
ground. Doctors and nurses stayed behind to care for their patients, and
some even went without food so their patients could eat. Many of the
first-responders risking their lives to help others were victims
themselves -- wounded healers, with a sense of duty greater than their
own suffering. And across our great land, the armies of compassion
rallied to bring food and water and hope to fellow citizens who had lost
everything. In these and countless other selfless acts, we saw the
spirit of America at its best.
Unfortunately, Katrina also revealed that federal, state, and local
governments were unprepared to respond to such an extraordinary
disaster. And the floodwaters exposed a deep-seated poverty that has cut
people off from the opportunities of our country. So last year I made a
simple pledge: The federal government would learn the lessons of
Katrina, we would do what it takes, and we would stay as long as it
takes, to help our brothers and sisters build a new Gulf Coast where
every citizen feels part of the great promise of America.
That was the same pledge I repeated to Rockey during his visit to the
White House. This pledge meant stronger levees and rebuilt homes and new
infrastructure. It also means safe streets and neighborhoods filled with
locally owned businesses, and more opportunities for everyone.
Next week, Laura and I will return to Mississippi and New Orleans to
meet with local citizens and officials, and review the progress we have
made. The federal government has conducted a thorough review of its
response to natural disasters, and we're making reforms that will
improve our response to future emergencies. With help from Congress, we
have committed $110 billion to the recovery effort, and we are playing a
vital role in helping people clear debris, repair and rebuild their
homes, reopen their businesses and schools, and put their lives back
together.
The federal government will continue to do its part -- yet a re-born
Gulf Coast must reflect the needs, the vision, and the aspirations of
the people of Mississippi and Louisiana. And their state and local
officials have a responsibility to help set priorities and make tough
decisions, so people can plan their futures with confidence.
One year after the storms, the Gulf Coast continues down the long
road to recovery. In Mississippi and Louisiana, we can see many
encouraging signs of recovery and renewal, and many reminders that hard
work still lies ahead. This work will require the sustained commitment
of our government, the generosity and compassion of the American people,
and the talent and vision of people determined to restore their homes,
neighborhoods, and cities. We will stay until the job is done, and by
working together, we will help our fellow citizens along the Gulf Coast
write a new future of hope, justice, and opportunity for all.
Thank you for listening. |