    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book II)]
    [September 27, 2005]
    [Pages 1492-1493]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Briefing on Hurricane Rita in Lake Charles,
    Louisiana
    September 27, 2005

        The President. Governor, thank
    you very much for your hospitality. It's been my honor to talk to some
    of these parish presidents and mayors of the affected area. I came down
    to make sure that things are going as best as they possibly can go.
        First of all, I want to compliment the local folks for the heroic
    efforts they made to save life. I understand there's a lot of
    frustrations with the people who left this part of the country. People
    that are scattered around want to come back and see their homes, and
    they want to come back to the communities they love. But it's very
    important for them to understand that now is not the time to come back,
    until they get the utilities up and running and until they can get the
    sewer systems running and until they get some water people can drink.
        I heard loud and clear from the parish presidents and the mayors
    that, you know, people are getting frustrated. And I understand that
    frustration. But I think it's very important to listen to the
    Governors--the Governor and the
    local folks about the conditions at home. People are working hard to get
    the utilities up. They're working hard to get fuel here for people. And
    this area is going to rebuild, and it's going to grow again.
        Those who've been displaced, those in the affected areas know that
    they can call a FEMA number to get a $2,000 check for each family. And
    that will help you in your time away from your home, so please call and
    register. Last night we made the decision that the people affected by
    Rita will be treated the same way, with a $2,000 check, as those
    treated--those affected by Katrina.
        So anyway, Governor, thanks
    for having me. Senators and Congressmen, thank you for coming. I
    particularly want to thank these parish presidents and mayors for
    their--if you look at them, you see--if you look in their eyes, you see
    people who have been through a lot. And they're showing strong
    leadership, and I admire their stand and the courage they take.
        Governor, if you'd like to say
    something.
        Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco. Well, Mr. President, first, let me say thank you
    for joining us today. You know, as you understand well, our people have
    been through a lot in southwest Louisiana. I do want to tell you that
    some things worked right this time. We learned a lot of lessons from our
    previous experience with Katrina. Our communications network stayed up.
    All of these folks could continue communicating their needs to us
    because there was a communications system that was--not in place; it was
    brought in by your people and our people, working together.
        I want to thank you because we have to continue a very close
    partnership in order for our recovery to be effective and in order for
    Louisiana to become whole again. We want to be players in this national
    economy. Our industries across this State have been impaired for the
    time being, but we know we can bring them back. The oil and gas industry
    is dependent on our health--on a healthy Louisiana. The fisheries are
    dependent on Louisiana. We provide food to the people of the United
    States out of these parishes. Our agricultural industry is tremendously
    stressed.
        But we know we can make it back, but we only can make it back with
    your help. So thank you again for coming. Thank you for letting all
    these folks tell you about their personal experiences. And we believe
    that we're going to make it back because you're here with us, and we
    know we have a good partnership.
        The President. Listen, thank you all. Appreciate you.

    [[Page 1493]]

    Note: The President spoke at 1:36 p.m. at Chennault International
    Airport. In his remarks, he referred to Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco
    of Louisiana.