Three years ago, images of immense destruction and poverty in New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward filled the television screens of Americans following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Now, Jindal and others in the area are keeping a close watch on Tropical Storm Gustav, which is barreling in their direction. Though the storm’s path hasn’t been confirmed, it is expected to turn into a Category 3 hurricane and hit the Gulf Coast sometime Sunday. Jindal has already declared a state of emergency, and put 3,000 National Guard troops on alert, and New Orleans will issue a mandatory evacuation of the city if a Category 3 storm comes within 60 hours. Many area residents are blaming city and state officials for stalling the process, even as they hear about disaster relief plans like the $10. Despite all the money that has poured into the state for rebuilding the levees and protecting the city from future hurricanes, Jindal said it is just a drop in the bucket considering the city is only prepared for a Category 3 storm. read more

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