Jonesboro, Aug 29 -  

Today Congressman David Scott (D-GA) issued the following statement to mark the first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

“Today our nation pauses to remember when Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast region one year ago, delivering widespread destruction to New Orleans and coastal communities in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.  As we reflect today on the devastation caused by the worst natural disaster in this country’s history, let us pay tribute to the hundreds of American lives lost in this tragedy and remember still the thousands more who continue to struggle to piece together their broken families, homes, and communities.

“Let us also salute the spirit of kindness that inspired Georgia’s citizens and leaders alike to step up without hesitation and welcome over 100,000 Hurricane Katrina evacuees into our homes, schools, and churches, 84,000 of which remain a year later in metro Atlanta.

“While Congress acted swiftly in the immediate weeks and months after Katrina hit to approve billions of dollars for rebuilding the Gulf Coast, much of the region remains devastated, government neglect and inefficiency persists, and residents continue to suffer from inadequate housing, health care, and other basic services one year later.

“Without question, the road to recovery in New Orleans and throughout the Gulf Coast will be long and difficult. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to ensure that our government is prepared to prevent and efficiently respond to national emergencies and is held accountable when it fails to protect all its citizens from harm.

“We cannot change the past, but we can control the future.  America can and must keep its promise to replace despair and destruction with hope and renewal for the Gulf Coast.”