Lawmakers propose grant program for Katrina recovery

By KATHERINE SAYRE

SUN HERALD WASHINGTON BUREAU

WASHINGTON - Pointing to the continued frustration of Gulf Coast residents, House Democratic leaders vowed Thursday to help speed up recovery from the hurricanes that struck nearly 18 months ago.

"The people on the coast have had enough hearings," said Rep. Charlie Melancon, D-La. "What they need now is action."

Calling it a first step, Democratic lawmakers introduced legislation that would allow Mississippi and Louisiana to receive federal disaster grants without paying a matching amount. The bill also would give the states the option of avoiding repayment of disaster loans. Both measures have been used in other national disasters, lawmakers said.

Rep. William Jefferson, D-La., said New Orleans and other Gulf Coast communities haven't recovered their local tax bases, making it difficult to pay matching dollar amounts to receive federal aid.