SLIDELL, La. (WGNO) –– Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry traveled to Slidell Monday afternoon to survey the damage from the tornado that hit the area on Wednesday, April 10.
Although St. Tammany Parish already declared a state of emergency, Landry said it is too soon for the state to do the same.
“All the federal aid is designed based upon the quantity of debris and damage that an area sustains,” said Landry.
He added that “the weather service is still assessing.”
That does not mean the people of St. Tammany Parish are without any federal aid.
“What we’re going to do is utilize the current statute that allows for a 75, 25 split. 75% being paid for by the state, 25% of parishes,” said Landry.
Landry said he does not believe it is necessarily a bad thing if the disaster does not meet the threshold, “That means, unless people have been displaced, that means that’s less destruction that has happened in the state.”
Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer said the governor fully supports the city’s recovery efforts.
“He’s told us, don’t worry about letting the paperwork get in the way. Go take care of your community and get your people back together. Put it back together. We will be there to stand with you and make sure that we’re all made whole,” said Cromer.
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