</a><a href="http://www.wwltv.com/topstories/stories/wwl082708convention.1a4dcba9.html">http://www.wwltv.com/tops...8convention.1a4dcba9.html
New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin, who was a key speaker Wednesday morning at the Democratic National Convention, has decided to return to New Orleans immediately to closely monitor Hurricane Gustav.
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Gustav, which has hit the southwest coast of Haiti and is threatening Cuba, appears to be on a likely course toward the U.S. Gulf region. The area, which will mark its third anniversary of the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on August 29, is still in the recovery stages.
"While it is too early to tell exactly where Gustav will hit and how strong it will be, I'm deeply concerned about the emotional and psychological effect on our citizens," said Nagin.
"Although we have made strong strides in rebuilding our infrastructure, the levees have not been fully repaired and we have an $800 million budget gap to complete our sewage and water systems," Mayor Nagin continued.
The city of New Orleans has been lobbying the federal government for this funding to revitalize the area for three years and has received less than 50 percent of FEMA funding needed to repair or rebuild key public facilities. In May of this year, the City of New Orleans received notification that it will finally receive Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) that was promised by the federal government.
The Mayor is urging New Orleans city residents to visit www.cityofNO.com for updated hurricane information. New Orleans citizens can also register for the City assisted evacuation plan by calling 311, 504-658-2299 or 877-286-6431. Hearing impaired can call 800-981-6622. The 311 helpline offers assistance in both Spanish and Vietnamese.</p>